Who can receive child benefit?

You can receive child benefit if:

  • You are working in Belgium and pay social security contributions
  • You have one or more children

Your child does not have to live in Belgium. If your child lives in another EU country, EEA country or Switzerland, you may still receive child benefit. EU law decides which country must pay first.

  • Example 1: Tomasz works in Belgium. His wife and son live in Poland. Because the mother lives with the child in Poland, Poland pays the child benefit.
  • Example 2: Maria works and lives in Belgium. Her children live with their grandparents in Romania. In Romania, the grandparents cannot get child benefit. Then Belgium pays the full amount.

Important: If the country where the child lives pays less, then Belgium can pay a supplement. This way, you always get the highest possible amount, but never double.

How to apply for child benefit?

You can apply through one of these five official payment organizations:

  1. KidsLife
  2. Parentia
  3. Infino
  4. MyFamily
  5. FONS

You need this information to apply:

  • Your national number (rijksregisternummer or BIS number)
  • The name and birth date of your child(ren)
  • Information from the country where your child lives (if they don’t live in Belgium)
  • A letter or proof if another country stopped paying child benefit

Until when do you receive child benefit?

Usually, child benefit stops when your child turns 18 years old. However, it can continue until 25 years old if your child:

  • Is still in school or university
  • Is doing a work training or apprenticeship
  • Works with a student contract (maximum 650 hours per year in Flanders)
  • Is registered as a job-seeker after school

If your child gets unemployment money or other social benefits, the child benefit may stop.

How much do you receive?

The amount depends on:

  • The region in Belgium (Flanders, Brussels, or Wallonia)
  • The number of childer
  • The age of your children
  • Your family income

Each region has its own rules and amounts.

Want to work in Belgium?

Do you want to start a new job in Belgium? Check out our current job openings or send us your spontaneous application!