The Brussels child benefit system until 2019: the old system
The old child benefit system was applicable in Brussels until the end of 2019. At the beginning of 2020, a new Brussels model has been introduced that applies to all children in Brussels, including children born before 2020.
However, for children born before 1 January 2020, you keep your old amount if this is more advantageous for your family than the amount in the new system. This means that you do not receive less child benefit than you were entitled to at the end of 2019.
Parentia also compares the amounts between both systems every month and will automatically apply the new system if it is more advantageous for your family. However, once you've switched to the new system, you can't go back to the old one.
Other innovations in Brussels from 2020:
- The rules for granting social supplements under the new system apply. These now also apply to all low-income families, and not only in the event of unemployment, disability or single-parent families. This might entitle you to a supplement, whereas before 2020 this was not the case.
- The surviving parent who cohabits or remarries retains his or her right to orphans supplement.
- Any application for child benefit or supplement submitted from 01 April 2023 will be subject to the new three-year limitation period.
The old Brussels child benefit system in figures:
A few standard amounts
- A basic amount of €119,12, €220,41, €329,08 (depending if it’s a first, second, third or later child) or the amount for orphans of €457,60.
- From the ages of 6, 12 and 18 an age supplement depending on the age your child was in November 2019.
Some supplementary amounts subject to a few conditions.
- A possible social supplement based solely on your family income
- A possible social supplement for single parents who raise their children on their own.
- A possible social supplement that can be granted when at least one of the parents has been ill for a long period of time.
- A possible care supplement. For example the care supplement for children who have a chronic (mental or physical) medical condition but also a supplement biological parents receive when their child is in foster care.
Indexation?
The amounts of the Brussels child benefits are linked to the Belgian health index. When the health index is exceeded, the social benefits rise accordingly. This means that the amounts of the Brussels child benefits follow the increase. This index was last exceeded in October 2023. The amounts mentioned here are therefore the amounts paid since November 2023 (paid beginning of December 2023).
The law stipulates that your child benefit must be on your account at the latest on the 8th calendar day of the following month. Parentia chooses to pay the Brussels amounts of child benefits already at the beginning of the month. Would you like to know the exact dates? Take a look at our page with payment dates.
Check out the payment dates
1st child
2nd child
3rd child and next
if orphan of one* or both parents
1st child (if no increased child benefit)
| from the age of 6 | from the age of 12 | from the age of 18 |
|---|---|---|
| + €20,75 | + €31,60 | + €36,42 |
all other children
| from the age of 6 | from the age of 12 | from the age of 18 |
|---|---|---|
| + €41,38 | + €63,23 | + €80,40 |
Is linked to the basic amount granted per child
in case of long-term unemployment and pensioners
| Situation | Social supplement |
|---|---|
| 1st child | + €60,64 |
| 2nd child | + €37,59 |
| 3rd child and next | + €6,60 |
in case of long-term illness or incapacity for work
| Situation | Social supplement |
|---|---|
| 1st child | + €130,47 |
| 2nd child | + €37,59 |
| 3rd child and next | + €6,60 |
for single-parent families
| Situation | Social supplement |
|---|---|
| 1st child | + €60,64 |
| 2nd child | + €37,59 |
| 3rd child and next | + €30,31 |
foster child
child with disorder/disabilities:
| POINTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| 4 to 5 points (at least 4 points in pillar 1) | €104,47 |
| 6 to 8 points (less than 4 points in pillar 1) | €139,12 |
| 6 to 8 points (at least 4 points in pillar 1) | €535,89 |
| 9 to 11 points (less than 4 points in pillar 1) | €324,64 |
| 9 to 11 points (at least 4 points in pillar 1) | €535,89 |
| 12 to 14 points | €535,89 |
| 15 to 17 points | €609,35 |
| 18 to 20 points | €652,88 |
| more than 20 points | €696,40 |
0 - 2 years old:
3 - 5 years old:
6 - 11 years old:
12 - 24 years old:
or €99,47/year per child from the age of 18 if the child attends higher education