Chapter 1 Child Benefits
Most people raising dependent children receive financial support from the government. Child benefits (kinderbijslag / allocations familiales) are social security benefits that distributed to the person responsible for the upbringing of the child. The 6th state reform, carried out in July 2014, transferred the responsibility for child benefits from the federal level to the regional governments of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Certain exceptions, which are not touched upon in this chapter, are made for the German community. Until 2018 the eligibility criteria and benefit levels were similar but subject to different annual indexation across regions. All three regional governments introduced extensive child benefit reforms in 2019 and 2020. Flanders introduced a new system in 2019. Wallonia changed some elements in 2019 before reforming the entire system in 2020 and the Brussels system remained unchanged until 2020.
1.1 Pre-2019 System
Child benefits are paid to families with dependent children. All persons under the age of 18 years old are considered dependents. However, a person can remain a dependent until the age of 21 if they are disabled. Additionally, a person can also remain a dependent until the age of 25 if they are enrolled in full-time education (including higher and advanced education), not married, and their gross yearly income as well as the number of days worked do not exceed certain thresholds1. These income thresholds are slightly higher for disabled children and children from single-parent households. The child benefit amount depends on the rank of the child. The firstborn child receives rank 1, the second relieves rank 2 and all consecutive children receive rank 3. If the first child stops being a dependent, the consecutive children increase in rank, i.e. the second child is promoted to rank 1.
The components of the old system:
- Ordinary child allowance:
- conditional on paying social security contributions
- Guaranteed child allowance:
- for destitute families not eligible for ordinary child allowance
- means-tested
- Yearly supplement (“school allowance”):
- for children in all schemes
- dependent on age
- Monthly age-related supplement:
- for children in all schemes
- different for the self-employed: no supplement for the youngest or only child
- Monthly social supplement:
- for children of those receiving replacement income
- means-tested
Supplements to the basic child benefit include an annual supplement (“school premium”), monthly age-dependent supplements and monthly social supplements. The annual supplement is a benefit paid to all children in all benefit schemes every year. The amount depends on the age of the child and differs for children also receiving social supplements and guaranteed allowance (Table 1.4). The base amounts of ordinary child benefits and guaranteed child benefits for destitute families are equivalent. Age-dependent supplements are equivalent for all schemes. However, in the case of orphans and receivers of guaranteed child benefits, all children receive the amounts allocated to rank ‘other’ in Table 1.5 independent of their actual rank. If the parents are self-employed and only have one child, they are not eligible for the age supplement. If they have several children, the youngest child is ineligible for the age supplement. Social supplements are primarily for children of families that live off of a replacement income: retirement pension, survival pension, full-time unemployment benefits (for at least six months), and disability benefits. There are income conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for social supplements. These same social supplements also apply to families receiving guaranteed child benefits.
1.1.1 Eligibility conditions under the old system
There are no additional eligibility criteria apart from the presence of dependent children in the family. The actual amounts, however, can differ slightly depending on characteristics of the family. The beneficiary unit is the nuclear family and the child allowance is paid to the person responsible for the upbringing of the child.
In Brussels and Wallonia, the beneficiary, often the father, is entitled to receive child benefits if their employer pays, or in the case of self-employment, they themselves pay or have paid social security contributions. Child benefits once depended on the contribution scheme to which the employer of the beneficiary or the beneficiary themselves contributed, but as of July 2014 the three contribution schemes for employers, the self-employed and civil servants have been unified. If the beneficiary is currently not active on the labor market, they are entitled to child benefits if they are sick, disabled, inactive due to occupational hazard or disease, unemployed, or retired. If a beneficiary has not contributed to any of the social security contribution schemes, they may still be entitled to child benefits through the system of guaranteed child benefits. However, the guaranteed child allowance is only available to families with income under specific thresholds.
In order to be eligible for child allowance, at least one of the parents of the dependent child has to receive some or all income from employment or self-employment, sickness or disability benefits, retirement pension, survivor pension, early retirement pension, or unemployment benefits. If a beneficiary is not eligible for child benefits due to the above conditions, they are eligible for the guaranteed child benefits.
1.1.2 Ordinary child benefits
Belgium has a pro-natalist family benefit scheme in which the ordinary child benefit received increases with the rank of the child. The amounts are shown in Table 1.1. Between 2017 and 2019, these amounts are 2% higher for Wallonia and Brussels. These are also the amounts applicable for guaranteed child benefit.
| Rank of child | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (oldest) | 90.28 | 92.09 | 92.09 | 92.09 | 93.93 |
| 2 | 167.05 | 170.39 | 170.39 | 170.39 | 173.80 |
| 3+ | 249.41 | 254.40 | 254.40 | 254.40 | 259.49 |
1.1.2.1 Income requirements for guaranteed child benefits
Before 2019 the guaranteed child benefits were subject to income thresholds in all regions, since they only intended for truly destitute families. To be eligible, the gross income of the beneficiary and their partner may not exceed thresholds that increase by 20% for each additional child from the second onward. Child benefits, scholarships, maintenance allowances, alimony payments, army indemnities, rents obtained by non-insured pensioners, allowances from private or public social assistance and cadastral income are not included in the income calculation. The income threshold is calculated as
\[B + B \times 0.2 \times [N_C - 1],\] where \(B\) is the base amount and \(N_C\) is the number of children in the tax unit. Thus, family income must below this level in order for them to be eligible for guaranteed child benefits. The quarterly base amounts are displayed in Table 1.2. New requirements were introduced in Flanders and Wallonia in 2019, and in Brussels in 2020.
| Means test | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value | 4,062.82 | 4,144.08 | 4,144.08 | 4,260.25 | 4,311.10 |
1.1.3 Annual supplement
The annual supplement increases with the age of the child. Table 1.3 shows the premium for the different age groups. In 2019, this supplement was replaced by the universal participation supplement in Flanders.
| Age | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | 20.00 | 20.40 | 20.40 | 20.40 | 21.23 |
| 6-11 | 43.00 | 43.86 | 43.86 | 43.86 | 45.63 |
| 12-17 | 60.00 | 61.20 | 61.20 | 61.20 | 63.67 |
| 18-24 | 80.00 | 81.60 | 81.60 | 81.60 | 84.89 |
| * Between 2017 and 2018 these amounts were 2% higher for Wallonia and Brussels. |
As of 2013, families who receive additional social supplements, single-parent supplements, orphan’s benefits or the supplement for children with special needs also receive the increased annual supplement shown Table 1.4.
| Age | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | 27.60 | 28.16 | 28.16 | 28.16 | 29.29 |
| 6-11 | 58.59 | 59.76 | 59.76 | 59.76 | 62.17 |
| 12-17 | 82.02 | 83.66 | 83.66 | 83.66 | 87.04 |
| 18-24 | 110.42 | 112.62 | 112.62 | 112.62 | 117.17 |
| * Between 2017 and 2018 these amounts were 2% higher for Wallonia and Brussels. |
Families receiving guaranteed child benefits are entitled to the same annual supplements as families receiving ordinary benefits.
1.1.4 Age-dependent supplements
Age-related supplements increase with the age of the child. They also apply to orphans, children with special needs, those benefiting from social supplements and receivers of guaranteed child benefits. The amounts are summarized in Table 1.5. They are still granted in Wallonia and sometimes in Brussels, if the child has remained in the old system, and to children born before 2019 in Flanders.
| Rank | Age | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6-11 | 15.73 | 16.04 | 16.04 | 16.04 | 16.36 |
| 1 | 12-17 | 23.95 | 24.43 | 24.43 | 24.43 | 24.92 |
| 1 | 18-24 | 33.69 | 28.16 | 28.16 | 28.16 | 28.72 |
| Other | 6-11 | 31.36 | 31.99 | 31.99 | 31.99 | 32.63 |
| Other | 12-17 | 47.92 | 48.88 | 48.88 | 48.88 | 49.86 |
| Other | 18-24 | 60.93 | 62.15 | 62.15 | 62.15 | 63.40 |
Between 2017 and 2019 these amounts are 2% higher for Wallonia and Brussels.
1.2 Flanders (from 2019)
The new system in Flanders is called the Growth Package (Groeipakket). It contains two fixed amounts: a starting amount of €1122 for every birth or adoption and a basic amount per month of €163.20. The Growth Package applies unconditionally to all children under 18 years of age living in Flanders. It also applies to children aged between 18 and 25 years of age who are studying or seeking work (unemployed). Children born before 2019 continue to receive the old benefits along with some potential new supplements. Children born after 2019, as well as those who were not entitled to child benefits before and orphans, receive the new benefits.
Overview of the key changes in Flemish child benefit system:
Addition:
- Addition of “universal participation supplement”:
- introduction of childcare supplement
- introduction of toddler supplement
- introduction of study supplement
Abolition:
- Abolition of means-test in Flanders
- Abolition of age-related supplement
General changes:
- Applies to all children under 18 years of age
- Base amounts are no longer rank-dependent
- Social supplements are solely income-based
- Birth premium changed to “starting amount”
- Yearly supplement “school premium” changed to “school bonus”
Given that all children are eligible for ordinary child benefits under the new system, guaranteed child benefits no longer exist and there are no income requirements anymore. Additionally, the new basic child benefit is no longer rank-dependent. The eligibility criterion for the social supplement (sociale toeslag) becomes solely income-based and no longer depends on the professional situation of the parents. The former annual age-dependent supplement is replaced by a “universal participation supplement” (participatie toeslag) that applies to all children attending dutch-speaking schools (without distinction between recipients of social supplements and others). This participation supplement encompasses three new benefits: the childcare supplement (kinderopvangtoeslag), the toddler supplement (kleutertoeslag), and the study supplement (schooltoeslag). The old annual “school premium” supplement has been replaced by a “school bonus” that applies to all children in Flanders. The age brackets have changed and there is no distinction between recipients of social supplements and others.
1.2.1 Ordinary child allowance
Born on or after 01/01/2019
The ordinary child allowance is no longer rank-dependent: it is equal to 163.20€ per month for all children. If the child has lost one parent, a supplement of 81.60€ is granted. If the child has lost both parents, the supplement increases to 163.20€.
Born before 01/01/2019
Children born before 2019 continue to receive the old benefits shown in Table 1.8. The amounts were indexed by 2% in September 2020.
| Rank of child | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 (oldest) | 95.81 |
| 2 | 177.28 |
| 3+ | 264.68 |
1.2.2 School bonus
The annual school bonus applies to all children from 2019 onward. The amounts of the benefit are displayed in Table 1.9.
| Age | 2019 |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 20.40 |
| 5-11 | 35.70 |
| 12-17 | 51.00 |
| 18-24 | 61.20 |
1.3 Wallonia (two-stage implementation in 2019 and 2020)
The entire child benefit system in Wallonia has been overhauled in 2020. New eligibility criteria were introduced in 2019 but the old benefits have continued to apply for all children until 2020. All children are unconditionally eligible for child benefits up to the age of 18 and remain eligible until the age of 25 if they are enrolled in education (dependent on a sufficient number of hours of lessons/registering for a sufficient number of study credits) or registered as a job seeker (unemployed). Children born before 2020 continue to receive indexed benefits according to the old system. All other children fall under the new child benefit scheme. The new child benefit comprises three fixed amounts:
- maternity allowance: a one-time payment of €1122 for every birth or adoption
- basic child benefit: monthly benefit based on age and family circumstances
- school premium: annual supplementary allowance paid in August based on the child’s age
Some families are also eligible for supplementary child benefit. These include families with disabled children, as well as some low-income families, single-parent families and large families. As is the case in Flanders, social supplement eligibility is determined purely on hand of family income. Supplements for orphans still apply even if the surviving parent lives with a new partner.
1.3.1 Ordinary child allowance
Born on or after 01/01/2020
Table 1.11 shows the new ordinary allowance amounts. The benefit is only based on the age of the child.
| Age | Amount |
|---|---|
| 0-17 years | 158.10 |
| 18-24 years | 168.30 |
| * In January and February 2020 the basic amount was €155 (0-17 years) and €165 (18-24 years). |
Born before 01/01/2020
Children born before 2020 continue to receive the indexed amounts of old benefits shown in Table 1.12.
| Rank of child | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 (oldest) | 97.72 |
| 2 | 180.81 |
| 3+ | 269.96 |
1.3.3 Age-dependent supplements
Born before 01/01/2020
Children born before 01/01/2020 continue to receive indexed amounts of the old age supplement shown in Table 1.15.
| Rank | Age | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6-11 | 17.02 |
| 1 | 12-17 | 25.92 |
| 1 | 18-24 | 29.88 |
| Other | 6-11 | 33.95 |
| Other | 12-17 | 51.87 |
| Other | 18-24 | 65.95 |
1.4 Brussels (from 2020)
The child benefit system in Brussels was changed in 2020. All children are unconditionally eligible for child benefits up to the age of 18 and remain eligible until the age of 25 if they are enrolled in education (dependent on a sufficient number of hours of lessons/registering for a sufficient number of study credits) or registered as a job seeker (unemployed). The new system applies to all children living in Brussels. However, the families that would be disadvantaged by switching to the new system continue to receive child benefits according to the old one. Once a family switches to the new system, it is no longer possible to return to the old system. The new child benefit comprises three fixed amounts:
- maternity allowance or birth premium: a one-off amount for every birth or adoption
- child benefit basic amounts: paid monthly based on age and family circumstances
- school premium: annual supplementary allowance paid in August based on the child’s age
There is also a supplementary child benefit for families with children who require additional support (e.g. orphans and children with disabilities). Low-income families may also be entitled to a supplementary child benefit.
Overview of the new child benefit system in Brussels:
- Maternity allowance (birth premium):
- one-off fixed-size amount for every birth or adoption
- Ordinary child benefit:
- paid monthly
- dependent on age, number of children and income
- School premium:
- paid yearly in August
- dependent on age
- all children are eligible
- Supplementary child benefit:
- for families with children who require additional support
1.4.1 Ordinary child benefit
Born on or after 01/01/2020
The basic amount is based on the age of the child. If one of the parents is deceased, the basic amount is increased by 50%. If both parents are deceased, the basic amount is doubled. The orphan’s allowance is no longer dependent on the whether or not the surviving parent lives alone. The new benefit amounts are shown in Table 1.21.
| Age | Born prior to 2020 | Born after 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-11 years | 142.80 | 153.00 |
| 12-17 years | 153.00 | 163.20 |
| 18-24 years (no higher education) | 153.00 | 163.20 |
| 18-24 years (higher education) | 163.20 | 173.40 |
Born before 01/01/2020
Those children born before 2020 have a right to remain in the old system. In this case they receive the indexed amounts of either ordinary or guaranteed child benefit according to the old system shown in Table 1.22.
| Rank of child | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 (oldest) | 97.72 |
| 2 | 180.81 |
| 3+ | 269.96 |
1.5 Modelling Assumptions
- This summary is simplified and information on benefits for some recipients’ categories is not included or only partially included: orphans, children placed in foster families or institution, handicapped children, children with a condition (suffering from long-term illness), etc.
- Child benefit information relating only to the German community is not included.
- Information is not included on limit monthly amounts of remuneration or social benefit beyond which the beneficiaries concerned cease to be entitled to family allowances. Due to lack of data we do noy include a constraint on income received by a child to be eligible for benefits.
- Only the general description of the study supplement is included without the amounts.
1.6 Module input
1.6.1 Variables
#> Warning in create_inputvar_table(path_xlsx): Some variables are missing:
#> id_h_sn, drg_h_hsc, dag_p_hsn, yto_hyg_sm.| Name | Description | Database |
|---|---|---|
| dag_p_hsn | Age at the time of interview | HBS |
| drg_h_hsc | Region | HBS |
| id_h_sn | Household ID | SILC |
| yto_hyg_sm | yearly total household gross income | SILC |
1.6.2 Parameters
| Name | Description | Value (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| cb_age_1 | Age limit 1 | 18 |
| cb_age_2 | Age limit 2 | 21 |
| cb_age_3 | Age limit 3 | 25 |
| cb_b_new_b_1 | Brussels / Benefit / Birth / Benefit for every birth or adoption (first birth) | 1122 |
| cb_b_new_b_o | Brussels / Benefit / Birth / Benefit for every birth or adoption (not first birth) | 510 |
| cb_b_new_max_gai_1 | Brussels / New system / Limits / Threshold 1 / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 31620 |
| cb_b_new_max_gai_2 | Brussels / New system / Limits / Threshold 2 / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 45900 |
| cb_b_new_oca_011 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 0-11 years, birth after 2020) | 153 |
| cb_b_new_oca_1217 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 12-17 years, birth after 2020) | 163.2 |
| cb_b_new_oca_he_1824 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 18-24 years, birth after 2020, in higher education) | 173.4 |
| cb_b_new_oca_nhe_1824 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 18-24 years, birth after 2020, not in higher education) | 163.2 |
| cb_b_new_oca_p_011 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 0-11 years, birth prior to 2020) | 142.8 |
| cb_b_new_oca_p_1217 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 12-17 years, birth prior to 2020) | 153 |
| cb_b_new_oca_p_he_1824 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 18-24 years, birth prior to 2020, in higher education) | 163.2 |
| cb_b_new_oca_p_nhe_1824 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Brussels, 18-24 years, birth prior to 2020, not in higher education) | 153 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_011_1_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (0-11 years, 1 child, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 40.8 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_011_2_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (0-11 years, 2 children, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 71.4 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_011_3_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (0-11 years, 3 children, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 112.2 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_1224_1_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (12-24 years, 1 child, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 51 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_1224_2_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (12-24 years, 2 children, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 81.6 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_1224_3_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (12-24 years, 3 children, 2020, income below threshold 1) | 122.4 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_2_t2_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2 children, 2020, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 25.5 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_3_t2_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (3 children, 2020, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 73.44 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_sp_2_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2 children, 2020, income below threshold 1, allowance per child) | 10.2 |
| cb_b_new_socsup_sp_3_t1_2020 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (3 children, 2020, income below threshold 1, allowance per child) | 20.4 |
| cb_b_new_sup_05 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (0-5 years) | 20.4 |
| cb_b_new_sup_611 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (6-11 years) | 30.6 |
| cb_b_new_sup_he_1224 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (12-24 years, in higher education) | 81.6 |
| cb_b_new_sup_nhe_1224 | Brussels / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (12-24 years, not in higher education) | 51 |
| cb_b_old_max_gai | Brussels / Old system / Limits / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 31620 |
| cb_bw_old_oca_1_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 1, 2019) | 95.8086 |
| cb_bw_old_oca_2_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 2, 2019) | 177.276 |
| cb_bw_old_oca_3_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 3, 2019) | 264.6798 |
| cb_bw_old_socsup_r1_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 1, 2019) | 48.7662 |
| cb_bw_old_socsup_r1_dis_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 1, 2019, disabled employee) | 104.9376 |
| cb_bw_old_socsup_r2_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 2, 2019) | 30.2328 |
| cb_bw_old_socsup_r3_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 3, 2019) | 5.304 |
| cb_bw_old_socsup_r3_lp_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 3, 2019, lone parent) | 24.378 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_05_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly supplement under the old system (0-5 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 21.23 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_1217_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly supplement under the old system (12-17 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 63.67 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_1824_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly supplement under the old system (18-24 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 84.89 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_611_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly supplement under the old system (6-11 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 45.63 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_h_05_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly higher supplement under the old system (0-5 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 29.29 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_h_1217_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly higher supplement under the old system (12-17 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 87.04 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_h_1824_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly higher supplement under the old system (18-24 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 117.17 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_h_611_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / Yearly higher supplement under the old system (6-11 years, 2019, Brussels and Wallonia) | 62.17 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_r1_1217_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 12-17 years, 2019) | 25.4184 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_r1_1824_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 18-24 years, 2019) | 29.2944 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_r1_611_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 6-11 years, 2019) | 16.6872 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_ro_1217_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 12-17 years, 2019) | 50.8572 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_ro_1824_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 18-24 years, 2019) | 64.668 |
| cb_bw_old_sup_ro_611_2019 | Brussels & Wallonia / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 6-11 years, 2019) | 33.2826 |
| cb_f_new_b | Flanders / Benefit / Birth / Benefit for every birth or adoption | 1122 |
| cb_f_new_max_gai_1 | Flanders / New system / Limits / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements (threshold 1) | 30984 |
| cb_f_new_max_gai_2 | Flanders / New system / Limits / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements (threshold 2) | 61200 |
| cb_f_new_oca | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Flanders) | 163.2 |
| cb_f_new_socsup_12_t1_2019 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (1-2 children, 2019-2020, income below threshold 1) | 51 |
| cb_f_new_socsup_3_t1_2019 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (3+ children, 2019-2020, income below threshold 1) | 81.6 |
| cb_f_new_socsup_3_t2_2019 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (3+ children, 2019-2020, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 61.2 |
| cb_f_new_sup_04 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (0-4 years) | 20.4 |
| cb_f_new_sup_1217 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (12-17 years) | 51 |
| cb_f_new_sup_1824 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (18-24 years) | 61.2 |
| cb_f_new_sup_511 | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School bonus (5-11 years) | 35.7 |
| cb_f_new_sup_cc | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Childcare supplement (Flanders) | 3.23 |
| cb_f_new_sup_ps | Flanders / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Toddler/pre-school supplement for 3-4 year olds (Flanders) | 132.6 |
| cb_f_old_max_gai | Flanders / Old system / Limits / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 30984 |
| cb_f_old_oca_1_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 1, 2019) | 93.93 |
| cb_f_old_oca_2_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 2, 2019) | 173.8 |
| cb_f_old_oca_3_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Amount of the ordinary child allowance under the old system (rank 3, 2019) | 259.49 |
| cb_f_old_socsup_r1_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 1, 2019) | 47.81 |
| cb_f_old_socsup_r1_dis_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 1, 2019, disabled employee) | 102.88 |
| cb_f_old_socsup_r2_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 2, 2019) | 29.64 |
| cb_f_old_socsup_r3_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 3, 2019) | 5.2 |
| cb_f_old_socsup_r3_lp_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (rank 3, 2019, lone parent) | 23.9 |
| cb_f_old_sup_r1_1217_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 12-17 years, 2019) | 24.92 |
| cb_f_old_sup_r1_1824_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 18-24 years, 2019) | 28.72 |
| cb_f_old_sup_r1_611_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank 1, 6-11 years, 2019) | 16.36 |
| cb_f_old_sup_ro_1217_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 12-17 years, 2019) | 49.86 |
| cb_f_old_sup_ro_1824_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 18-24 years, 2019) | 63.4 |
| cb_f_old_sup_ro_611_2019 | Flanders / Old system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Age-related supplements (rank other, 6-11 years, 2019) | 32.63 |
| cb_old_index | Indexation / Yearly indexation of child benefits under the old system (indexed in september) | 0.02 |
| cb_w_new_b | Wallonia / Benefit / Birth / Benefit for every birth or adoption | 1122 |
| cb_w_new_max_gai_1 | Wallonia / New system / Limits / Threshold 1 / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 31603.68 |
| cb_w_new_max_gai_2 | Wallonia / New system / Limits / Threshold 2 / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 51000 |
| cb_w_new_oca_017 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Wallonia, 0-17 years) | 158.1 |
| cb_w_new_oca_1824 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly benefit / Basic monthly ordinary child allowance for every child (Wallonia, 18-24 years) | 168.3 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_lf_t1_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, large families, income below threshold 1) | 35.7 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_lf_t2_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, large families, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 20.4 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_sp_t1_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, single parent families, income below threshold 1) | 20.4 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_sp_t2_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, single parent families, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 10.2 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_t1_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, income below threshold 1) | 56.1 |
| cb_w_new_socsup_t2_2020 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Monthly supplement / Social supplements (2020, income between threshold 1 & 2) | 25.5 |
| cb_w_new_sup_05 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School premium (0-5 years, born after 2020) | 20.4 |
| cb_w_new_sup_1217 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School premium (12-17 years, born after 2020) | 51 |
| cb_w_new_sup_1824 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School premium (18-24 years, born after 2020) | 81.6 |
| cb_w_new_sup_611 | Wallonia / New system / Benefit / Yearly supplement / School premium (6-11 years, born after 2020) | 30.6 |
| cb_w_old_max_gai | Wallonia / Old system / Limits / Max gross annual income to be eligible for social supplements | 31603.68 |
| year | Year | 2020 |
1.8 References
[] BARÈME DES ALLOCATIONS FAMILIALES. KidsLife Child Benefits, 2018. URL: [https://www.kidslife.be/sites/default/files/Vlaanderen/Barème
[] Combien d’allocations familiales puis-je recevoir ? Famiris, 2019. URL: https://famiris.brussels/fr/faq/combien-d-allocations-familiales-puis-je-recevoir/.
[] Loi générale relative aux allocations familiales. FamiPedia, 2019. URL: https://bruxelles.famipedia.be/fr/regulations/laws/legislation-child-benefits.
[] Ordonnantie tot regeling van de toekenning van gezinsbijslag. 2019. URL: [https://eservices.minfin.fgov.be/myminfin-web/pages/fisconet/document/2dc067d5-d705-481b-97f3-9baef9fd27f0/kinderbijslag
[] Belgium - Family benefits. European Commission, 2021. URL: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1102&langId=en&intPageId=4414.
[] Het Groeipakket (nieuwe kinderbijslag). Vlaanderen, 2021. URL: https://www.vlaanderen.be/het-groeipakket-nieuwe-kinderbijslag.
[] Historique des montants. Famiris, 2021. URL: https://famiris.brussels/fr/faq/historique-des-montants-2/.
[] Kinderen geboren voor 1 januari 2019. Groeipakket, 2021. URL: https://www.groeipakket.be/nl/bedragen/geboren-voor-1-januari-2019.
[] Vos allocations familiales de base. Wallonie, allocations familiales, FAMIWAL, 2021. URL: https://www.famiwal.be/accedez-aux-themes/vos-allocations-familiales/vos-allocations-familiales-de-base.
[] KONINKLIJK BESLUIT NR. 38 VAN 27 JULI 1967 houdende inrichting van het sociaal statuut der zelfstandigen. 1967. URL: https://www.rsvz.be/sites/rsvz.be/files/publication/legislation_7.pdf.
[] J. Derboven, Z. Rongé, S. Van Houtven, et al. “EUROMOD COUNTRY REPORT, BELGIUM (BE) 2016 – 2019”. In: n.d. (2019).
The gross yearly income is the annual income related to the professional activity and the taxable replacement income, before deduction of professional expenses, in the respective fiscal year; the professional income of a self-employed person is the gross professional income, less professional expenses and possibly the professional losses, multiplied by a fraction equal to 100/80.↩︎
1.1.5 Social supplements
The social supplement is a supplementary allowance aimed at low-income families. Before 2019, social supplements were granted according to the social status of the beneficiary of the child benefits. Social supplements were primarily for families living off of a replacement income: retirement pension, survival pension, full-time unemployment benefits (for at least six months) and disability benefits under a certain threshold. In 2019, eligibility remained the same in Brussels but changed in Flanders and Wallonia. Instead, the level of gross income became the only condition for granting the social supplement. The threshold for single parents in slightly lower than the threshold for two-parent households. The thresholds are shown in Table 1.6.
The amounts of the supplement are summarized in Table 1.7. If the beneficiary is disabled, the amount is higher for the first child. If there is only one parent in the household, the social supplement is higher from the third child onward.