All you need to know about the maternity benefit, which is now called "the starting amount"!
Starting amount?
On the birth of your son or daughter, you will receive a one-off starting amount , which is the new name for maternity benefit or birth allowance in Flanders since 1 January 2019 . That amount is intended to cover the cost of your child's layette. Practical!
The Flemish starting amount for each child is € 1.214,49 and can be paid as from 2 months before the expected date of birth. After that you will receive your Growth Package on a monthly basis.
Pregnant? Then apply now for your starting amount. With our on-line tool this is done in no time and in just a few steps!
How do you apply for your starting amount or maternity allowance?
Whereas in the past your employer applied for your maternity allowance and Growth Package , now you have to do this yourself. You can do this by submitting an application to Parentia on-line or via a paper form (maternity allowance application form). Are you expecting a baby, but haven't you applied for your starting amount yet? With our practical tool , this is done in no time!
When can you apply for the starting amount?
Before birth
If you apply for your starting amount during your pregnancy, you can even be paid out the allowance two months before birth. Follow the steps in our tool and apply for your starting amount in no time at all!
After birth
You can also apply for the starting amount after birth. Register your child at the registry office of the place of birth and simply request your payment via our tool. You can also send us the original "Birth certificate to obtain the maternity allowance" immediately after birth via our contact page. You will receive this certificate together with the birth certificate from the municipality.
Who should apply for the starting amount?
In general, it's usually the mother who applies for the maternity benefit or starting amount. After all, the law stipulates that the starting amount must be paid to the mother, even if both parents can apply for the starting amount and the Growth Package.
Choosing a child benefit fund or pay-out provider
You can choose who will pay your Growth Package and starting amount in Flanders. If you choose Parentia, you will rest assured. We will help you with your family administration, so you won't overlook anything. This way, we will make sure your child doesn't lack for anything!
Are you pregnant? Then quickly apply for your starting amount through our user-friendly tool.
Would you like to join the Parentia family, but is your child benefit paid by another pay-out provider? Good news: today you and your family can switch to the Parentia child benefit fund. However, you must have been a customer for at least 1 year with your current Growth Package pay-out provider. More information can be found on the official website of the Flemish government.
Join us now!
What else do you have to take care of before birth
Expecting a baby? Well, then you must be over the moon! But before you give birth to your little man, you've got some administrative matters to take care of. Below you'll find an overview of the main points. That way, your baby won't lack for anything.
1. Inform your employer
Inform your employer at least seven weeks before the birth. Provide your employer with a doctor's certificate stating your due delivery date.
2. Maternity assistant or maternity care: no superfluous luxury
rofessional help is no superfluous luxury even after birth. For example, a maternity assistant will lend a hand in caring for your baby and in minor household tasks. Maternity care on the other hand is available for the medical care of you and your baby shortly after birth. It's best to apply for both a few months before birth.
3. Apply for your starting amount now
When your child is born, you will receive a starting amount from the child benefit fund. Parents who apply for the maternity allowance on time may be paid the birth premium as early as two months before the expected delivery date.
4. Kind en Gezin is also there for you.
Just like Parentia, Kind en Gezin would like to assist you with the arrival of your baby. You can get to know the preventive family support provided by Kind en Gezin during a preliminary discussion before birth. If you apply for the starting amount, Kind en Gezin will receive your contact details and a staff member who is closeby can contact you! Practical, right?
5. At the end of your pregnancy? You're in high need for maternity leave!
Employees are entitled to 15 weeks' maternity leave. Of that maternity leave you can already take up six weeks before birth. In any case, it is compulsory to take one week of prenatal maternity leave. For self-employed mothers, the maternity leave is 3 to 12 weeks, according to choice
What do you have to take care of after birth?
Yes, even after birth you still - in between changing diapers - have to take care of some administrative matters.
1. Report the birth
Go to the registry office of the municipality where you gave birth to report your child within fifteen days of the birth. Make sure to take your and your partner's Identity card with you. Married? Don't forget your marriage certificate!
2. Notify your health insurance fund
Hand over the 'document intended for your health insurance' that you received from the municipal authorities to your health insurance fund with a vignette sticker. Often you also get a gift for your baby from your health insurance fund.
3. Notify your Parentia child benefit fund
Notify us of the birth of your child and apply for your maternity allowance or starting amount if you have not already done so. From the first month after the birth of your child, you will receive your monthly child benefit or Growth Package around the 8th of the month.
4. Inform the other parties!
Notify the childcare centre, your employer and your insurance broker of the birth of your son or daughter.
What if things go differently?
The birth of your child does not always go as planned. For example, you may...
- have twins (or multiple births). In that case, provide us with an original birth certificate for each child.
- be faced with a stillbirth. We wish you much strength and courage in this difficult situation. If your pregnancy has lasted at least 180 days, you are entitled to a maternity allowance. In that case, send us the municipality's certificate with the mention 'stillbirth'.
- give birth to a child with a disability or a disorder. Please inform Parentia by letter or email that you would like to start an examination forincreased benefit for a disabled child.
- give birth abroad. In that case various international guidelines regulate the granting of maternity allowance and child benefit. Contact Parentia for this.
Got questions?
Have you still got practical questions related to the starting amount? Then be sure to take a look here under and maybe you'll find your answer!
