Happy baby

All you need to know about the maternity benefit, which is now called "the starting amount"!

Springend kind

How do you apply for your starting amount or maternity allowance?

Vader en kind

Choosing a child benefit fund or pay-out provider

Lachend meisje

What else do you have to take care of before birth

Baby

What do you have to take care of after birth?

Zwanger

What if things go differently?

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!

Who files the application for the starting amount?

In general it’s usually the mother who applies for the maternity allowance. Belgian law stipulates that the starting amount has to be paid directly to the mother, even though both parents can apply for the starting amount as well as the Growth package.

Where to apply for the starting amount?

You live in Flanders? In that case since the first of January 2019 you yourself can decide which child benefit fund is allowed to pay your starting amount. If you choose Parentia, you won’t regret it. We will help you with all of your family administration, so nothing can pass you by. That way we make sure you’re child doesn’t miss out on anything! You can easily apply for the starting amount using our on-line tool.

How to apply for the starting amount before birth?

When your child is born, you receive a starting amount from your child benefit fund. Parents who apply for that starting amount in time, can receive this birth allowance as soon as two months before the supposed date of birth. This by sending a paper form to your child benefit fund (via regular post,  e-mail or our contact form). If you would choose Parentia, you can also easily apply for your starting amount using our user friendly on-line tool.

How to apply for the starting amount after birth?

When you already have children that are entitled to the Growth Package, you don’t have to do anything. Your current paying organism will take care of everything. On the other hand, if your new born is your first child, you can still apply for your starting amount, even if your child has already been born. Just send us the original ‘certificate of birth destined to obtain the birth allowance’ (you will receive this certificate as soon as you register your child at the municipal services) right after your child is born, using our contact page or using our easy online tool. ​​​​​​​

Who gets the starting amount, when and how much?

When your son or daughter is born, as a mother you receive a one-time starting amount (the new name for birth or maternity allowance since the first of January 2019). That amount is intended to provide for all of the things your baby needs right after it is born. If you apply for your starting amount during your pregnancy, you can receive your birth allowance as soon as two months before the supposed date of birth. The Flemish starting amount is 1.214,49 euros per new born child.

Pregnant? Go through the different steps of our on-line tool and apply for your starting amount in a whiff! ​​​​​​​

Looking for a document in particular? Go to our forms page