My child is starting school for the first time
Financially too, the first day at school can have a big impact on the family budget. Fortunately, KidsLife is here to help with some simple budget tips and allowances for the first day at school.
Toddler Allowance: an additional bonus for toddlers in Flanders.
Starting pre-school is a big step. And one that will likely incur some (unforeseen) costs: a new school bag, a waterproof raincoat and a new flask.
If your child is starting at a Dutch-speaking pre-school in Flanders or Brussels, you will receive a Toddler Allowance from KidsLife. This handy bonus ensures a good financial start to pre-school.
Looking for additional tips to get your child off to a flying start at pre-school? Then read on!
First day at school: save on your child’s school gear.
Have you (or your budding pupil) got a long wish list of items for the new school year? Or has the school provided you with a shopping list? We’ve drawn up a convenient overview detailing various ways to save on your child’s school gear.
School Bonus: a supplementary Child Benefit for every child in early August
At the beginning of August, every child in Belgium is entitled to a supplementary allowance: the School Bonus.
Its name is confusing, because even if your child doesn’t (yet) attend school, you’re still entitled to this school premium.
The amount depends on the age of your children and where you live (Flanders - Brussels or Wallonia).
Discover everything you need to know about the School Bonus here
"Attending school makes children happy!"
It might seem hard to believe after that first bout of tears on your child’s first day, but attending school really does make children happy. Steven Gielis explains why:
Steven Gielis
10/11/2022
Why children are happier in school
Children are returning to school, and that’s a good thing. Not every child is equally suited to home learning. Children long to see their classroom friends and peers. The structure that school provides is also extremely beneficial. And they can subsequently blow off steam during the holidays.
Am I entitled to a Study Allowance, Student Scholarship or Education Allowance?
If your child attends school, you might be entitled to a Study Allowance or Education Allowance. The amounts vary and eligibility depends on the region where you and your children live.
I live in Flanders
You may be entitled to a Study Allowance up to and including secondary education, provided that your family satisfies the eligibility criteria AND your child attends a Dutch-speaking school in Flanders or Brussels.
If you live in Flanders, you will automatically receive this Study Allowance (in the period September - December) if you’re entitled to it. KidsLife advisers examine the possibility of paying the Study Allowance for each child every school year.
You can view all of the conditions that apply to the Study Allowance here
I live in Brussels or Wallonia
The Study Allowance is a Flemish bonus (paid by your Child Benefit Fund). You will only receive this if your family satisfies the eligibility criteria and your child attends a Dutch-speaking school in Flanders or Brussels.
The Education Allowance is a government bonus. Similar to the Study Allowance, you only receive this provided you satisfy a number of eligibility criteria. You must submit an application to the government for this allowance.
View the eligibility criteria for the Education Allowance on the government website.
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