Maternity Allowance - Starting Amount - Maternity Fee

All you need the know about Maternity Allowance and Starting Amount

Expectant mothers are entitled to the Maternity Allowance. What exactly is that? When does your entitlement to Maternity Allowance commence, and how exactly do you apply for it?
Applying for Maternity Allowance in Belgium

Applying for Maternity Allowance in Belgium

If you live in Flanders, you’ll receive the Growth Package. This comprises a monthly payment (the former Child Benefit) and a one-off amount that you receive upon the birth of your baby: the Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance. If you live in Brussels or Wallonia, you'll receive Child Benefit. You'll also receive Maternity Allowance upon the birth of your baby.

The Starting Amount provides a welcome financial boost that enables you to give your baby the best start in life.

How much is the Maternity Allowance?

Per child

1214,49 euros

1st birth

1314,61 euros

Subsequent birth

597,55 euros

Per child

1.314,61 euros
1

Hooray! There’s a baby on the way!

You can apply for the Maternity Allowance as soon as you fall pregnant. You can do this quickly and easily online. The only thing that you require is your name, date of birth and national register number.
Apply here
2

You’re 5 months pregnant

The doctor will provide you with a certificate specifying your expected delivery date. You supply us with this certificate once you’re 5 months pregnant.  We’ll send you an email reminding you to supply us with the certificate at the right moment in time.
3

You’re 7 months pregnant

Good news! You don't need to do anything else. Providing you’ve submitted your application and doctor's certificate on time, you’ll automatically receive your Maternity Allowance around this time.
4

Your baby is born

Congratulations! You’re now automatically entitled to Child Benefit for your little one. From now on, you’ll receive a basic monthly amount, potentially supplemented with certain allowances.
Calculate your amount

Frequently asked questions

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You’re entitled to a one-off premium for your future child. This is called the Starting Amount, and is also known as the Maternity Allowance or Birth Premium. 

Applying for a Starting Amount from KidsLife is quick and easy. And the payment will be deposited into your bank account prior to the birth of your child. 

  • To process your Starting Amount application, we require the the mother-to-be’s personal details and the expected delivery date.
     
  • In order to pay the Starting Amount prior to your baby’s birth, we also ask you to supply a doctor’s certificate stating that you’re at least 5 months pregnant.

You can submit an application here
Apply for your Starting Amount

Pregnant? Congratulations! You can apply for a Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance right at the very onset of your pregnancy. The expectant mother’s details are the sole requirement for submitting an application. If you would like to receive the Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount prior to the birth of your child, then we also require a doctor's certificate specifying the expected delivery date. 

This depends on when you submit your application!

After the birth

Does your application concern the birth of your first child? Then you will receive your Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount via one of our weekly payments as soon after submitting your request as possible.
Does the application concern the birth of your second or subsequent child? You will receive your Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount once we have received the birth notification from the municipality.

Between 7 and 9 months of pregnancy

We will pay the Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount via one of our weekly payments as soon after submitting your request as possible.

From onset to the 7th month of pregnancy

You will receive the Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount 2 months prior to your expected delivery date. We make the payments once per week. 

If the application concerns the birth of your first child, then you can submit your request online or send the birth certificate to KidsLife.
What if the application does not concern the birth of your first child and you are already a KidsLife customer? Good news! In this scenario, you needn't submit an application and we will commence payment of your Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance as soon as possible. 

A stillborn child may still be entitled to the Maternity Allowance. You can arrange this by reporting the stillborn child to the municipality in the first instance. In fact, this is mandatory if the pregnancy lasted more than 180 days. Once you have submitted the certificate, you need take no further action. 

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?