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
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?
|
|
Starting Amount in Flanders |
Maternity Allowance in Brussels |
Maternity Allowance in Wallonia |
|
1st birth |
1122 euros |
1122 euros |
1122 euros |
|
Subsequent birth |
1122 euros |
510 euros |
1122 euros |
When do you start receiving the Maternity Allowance, how much will you receive and how do you request it?
Step 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.
Step 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. Suffering from a touch of ‘baby brain’? No problem - we’ll send you an email reminding you to supply us with the certificate at the right moment in time.
Step 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.
Step 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. You can find more information about Child Benefit here.