My child is starting school

You don’t know who is more apprehensive about that first day at school; you or your little one. Every child experiences their first day at school differently. Both the school and parents obviously play an important role in that experience.
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.

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.

View our handy tips here

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.  

Attending school makes children happy
Am I entitled to a Study Allowance, Student Scholarship or Education Allowance?

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.

Do you meet the conditions? Then you only need to apply to receive the School supplement.

If your child does not attend a Dutch-speaking school in Flanders or Brussels, then you can apply for the Education Allowance. This is a government bonus you will receive if you meet a number of conditions that are similar to the Study Allowance.

View the eligibility criteria for the Education Allowance on the government website.

Moving to Belgium: what administrative steps?

Moving to Belgium: what administrative steps?

You could probably do with a quick guide to help you get to organise what has to be done for your arrival in Belgium. We have drawn up a list of all the administrative formalities. And as a bonus, some tips to help you settle into life in Belgium. Follow us!
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Bilateral Agreements

Bilateral Agreements

Do your children live in a foreign country? There may be a bilateral agreement on the payment of Child Benefit between that country and Belgium. KidsLife explains!
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My Child Benefits have increased?

My Child Benefits have increased?

Your Child Benefits can be increased due to an indexation or certain supplement. KidsLife will explain everything.
Have your Child Benefits been increased?

Are you not yet receiving Child Benefit from KidsLife?

And wouldn't you like to miss out on any financial benefits? 
Join today for your payments. Switching is easy and quick with no interruption in your payments.

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