Social security for immigrants in Belgium: how to get support and avoid difficulties

Belgium offers a wide range of social benefits for immigrants, from healthcare to pensions and unemployment benefits. However, the process of accessing social protection can be complicated, especially for those who face language or administrative barriers. It is important to understand how the system works and the steps you need to take to receive all the benefits you are entitled to. In this article, we will look at the main types of social benefits available to migrants and give advice on how to correctly complete all the necessary paperwork.

About the social security system in Belgium

The social security system in Belgium is built on the principles of solidarity and universality, meaning that every citizen and resident, including immigrants, has the right to basic protection. This system covers areas such as health care, pensions, unemployment benefits and social assistance. In order to access social benefits, it is necessary to comply with certain rules and meet requirements for residence and work status. An important aspect is the existence of specific rules concerning foreign citizens, which depend on their status.

List of regulations on social security for immigrants in Belgium.

• Social Security Act (2019) Defines the general principles and rules of social protection for all residents of Belgium.
• Unemployment Benefits for Foreigners Act (2021) Regulates access to unemployment benefits for immigrants, including conditions for new arrivals.
• EU Agreement on Social Security (2004) Ensures the coordination of social benefits for EU citizens and third-country nationals working in Belgium.
• Healthcare for Foreigners Act (2018) Regulates access to health care and insurance for migrants.
• Pension System Act (2020) Description of the rights of immigrants to participate in the Belgian pension system depending on the length of employment and contributions.
• Family Benefits Act for Immigrants (2020) Establishes the right to family benefits for foreign workers residing in Belgium.
• Migration Law (2021). Description of regulations governing the rights and obligations of immigrants in the context of social assistance and labor activity.

As of 2024, the Belgian social security system for immigrants continues to evolve, with a focus on improving access to health and pension services for all residents, regardless of their status. However, administrative barriers and incomplete information about rights can make it difficult to claim benefits. The government is actively working to simplify the system and improve transparency to help immigrants integrate and improve their social protection. It is important to remember that in order to successfully apply for benefits, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the current requirements and documents in advance.

Interesting fact:

In Belgium, migrants from the EU and countries with an agreement with the state have the same rights to social security as local residents, provided that all conditions are met.

Types of social security

In Belgium, there are several types of social security available to immigrants, including health care, unemployment benefits and pensions. Each type of security has its own characteristics and conditions of receipt, depending on the residence status and work activity of the migrant. It is important to understand how to properly access these services in order to ensure your social protection.

Pension benefit

The pension system in Belgium is available to all workers, including immigrants, but there are a number of features that are important to consider. Depending on the length of residence, work and contributions paid, the conditions for receiving a pension benefit may vary. Also, for foreign citizens, the registration process may be more complicated due to the need to translate documents and comply with certain requirements. In this section, we will examine in detail how the pension system for immigrants in Belgium is structured and what steps need to be taken to receive a pension benefit.

Rules, stages of registration and accrual of pension benefits for immigrants in Belgium:

• Right to a pension benefit. To receive a pension, you must have worked in Belgium for a certain number of years and paid social security contributions.
• Retirement age: The standard retirement age for men and women is 65, but it may vary depending on the year of birth.
• Application process: To apply for a pension, an immigrant must submit an application to the National Institute of Social Security (INASTI) or the local employment center.
• Documents required for registration. Typically, this includes a passport, proof of residence in Belgium, employment contracts and income documents.
• Pension amount. The pension is calculated on the basis of the amount of contributions paid and its amount depends on the length of employment in Belgium and the level of earnings.
• Social guarantees. There are additional guarantees for people who cannot work due to health or age.
• Regular payments. Once your application is approved, pension payments will begin to arrive monthly to the specified account.

The average pension for immigrants in Belgium in 2024 is around €1,200 per month, but this figure depends on the number of years of work and income. A slight increase is expected for 2025, thanks to pension reforms. It is important to note that immigrants can use additional savings programs or invest in private pension plans to optimize their pension.

Tip:
For immigrants in Belgium, there is the possibility of receiving additional pensions if they have previously worked in other EU countries and paid pension contributions.

Hospital and medical benefits

In Belgium, legally employed immigrants are entitled to sick leave and medical benefits. The country’s health care system provides access to health care, but the process of applying for benefits can be complicated for immigrants, especially if they are just starting out in the workforce. It is important to know what steps need to be taken to receive benefits, as well as what benefits are available for workers who are temporarily or permanently disabled.

Types of hospital and medical benefits:

• Sickness benefit (Ziekte-uitkering) – benefit for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness. It is issued through social insurance. The amount of the benefit depends on earnings and can be around 60-70% of monthly income.
• Medical expenses (Verzorgingskosten) – reimbursement of expenses for medical services. Includes partial coverage of the cost of visits to the doctor, medications, tests and procedures. Part of the costs are covered by the health insurance fund, the rest is at the patient’s expense.
• Maternity benefits (Zwangerschaps – en bevallingsverlof) – women working in Belgium can receive maternity benefits. The amount depends on the length of employment and is about 82% of the average salary.
• Long-term disability (Langdurige ziekte) – for those who cannot work for more than 1 year, there are additional benefits for long-term disability. These payments can amount to up to 60% of the last salary.
• Benefits for children and families (Gezinsbijslag) – families with children can count on additional payments to cover medical and other expenses for the child.

In order to correctly apply for sick leave and medical benefits, you must contact the social insurance organization and provide all the required documents. It is important to be aware of the application deadlines so as not to lose the right to benefits. Correctly submitting an application and meeting the deadlines will help you receive the necessary payments without delays and complications.

Tip:
Don’t forget to check the latest information on benefits on the official websites of Belgian social services.

Unemployment benefits

Unemployment benefits are an important part of social assistance in Belgium for immigrants. The country’s social security system has several payment options, and conditions may vary for different categories of workers. To qualify for benefits, you must meet a number of conditions, such as the length of time you have worked in the country and paid social security contributions. In this section, we will take a closer look at the types of benefits that exist and how to apply for them.

Features of accrual and registration:

• Allowance for people who have lost their job for reasons beyond their control. This allowance is provided to anyone who has lost their job for reasons beyond their control (layoffs, company liquidation). To receive it, you must have a minimum length of service in Belgium. The amount of the allowance is calculated based on previous earnings and ranges from 50% to 65% of your last income.
• Part-time unemployment benefit. Immigrants working part-time may be entitled to benefits proportional to their hours of work. It is important that the work is formal and registered, and that the worker has sufficient work experience to receive benefits.
• Long-term unemployment benefit. For immigrants who have been unemployed for a long time, there is a system of long-term benefits. The conditions for receiving them depend on the length of residence in the country and the availability of social contributions in recent years. The amount of such payments is significantly lower than the standard benefit, but they provide the necessary financial support.
• The registration process. To register for unemployment benefits, an immigrant must register with the Federal Labor Service and provide all the necessary documents (contract, documents confirming dismissal, income certificates). An assessment will then be conducted, and based on the results, benefits will be calculated.

In order to properly apply for unemployment benefits in Belgium, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements and prepare all the documents in advance. The application process can take several weeks, so it is recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid delays. Remember that payments will depend on your length of service and level of previous income. Correct application will help you to receive financial assistance during the period of job search.

Tip:
To successfully receive benefits, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and provide all required documents without errors.

Disability and injury benefits

In Belgium, immigrants can apply for disability and injury benefits, but there are a few conditions that must be met to receive them. The compensation system is designed to support people who are unable to work due to illness or injury, but the process of applying for benefits can be complicated for new residents. It is important to understand what benefits exist, how to apply for them, and what requirements immigrants must meet to qualify for the payments. Let’s take a closer look at how the system works for migrants.

1. Disability benefit (Invaliditeitsuitkering). This benefit is granted to Belgian citizens and residents if they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
   • How to apply: You must submit an application to the Social Security Institute (RSZ), provide medical documentation and proof of employment.
   • Amount: depends on the level of disability, usually around 50-60% of earnings.
2. Sickness benefit (Ziekte-uitkering). Provided if a person is temporarily unable to work due to injury or illness.
   • How to apply: you must notify your employer and provide a sick leave certificate.
   • Amount: the payment ranges from 60% to 70% of income, depending on the situation.
3. Disability benefit for long-term care (Langdurige zorg). This benefit is intended for people who need long-term care due to a disability or chronic illness.
   • How to apply: an application is submitted to the local social welfare authorities, medical documents are provided.
   • Size: depending on the level of care need.

Obtaining disability and injury benefits in Belgium requires attention and understanding of the process. It is important for immigrants to have all the documents in order and to comply with all the requirements to receive benefits. In order to avoid being refused, it is recommended to seek advice from social services or lawyers specializing in social protection. It is important to remember that informal work or lack of documents can be an obstacle to receiving benefits.

Tip:
If your status in Belgium is temporary, it is important to find out what benefits may be available to you depending on the type of work permit you have.

Child benefits

Child benefits in Belgium are an important part of the social support available to immigrants. Unlike some other countries, the system in Belgium is flexible enough that even citizens who are just starting out in the country can count on assistance. However, there are specifics to consider when applying, such as residency status and fulfilling certain administrative requirements. In this section, we will take a closer look at what child benefits are available to immigrants in Belgium and how to claim them.

List of types of child benefits for immigrants in Belgium:

• Child benefit is the main benefit provided to all working parents or guardians of children.
• Additional allowance for children with special needs is a payment for families raising children with disabilities.
• Child benefit for large families – for families with three or more children.
• Social assistance for children is additional support for low-income families.
• Child benefit without status – available for children whose parents are in Belgium with temporary residence status.

How to apply:
Applications for child benefits are made through official services and organisations such as the RVA (social security service). To receive benefits, you must provide documents proving your residence status in Belgium, as well as information on your income.

Benefit amounts:
The benefit amount depends on the number of children in the family, their age and health. On average, the benefit for the first child is about 100-150 euros per month. The amount can be increased for children with special needs or in large families.

To receive child benefits in Belgium, it is important to correctly complete all the necessary documents and go through the registration process. You should carefully read the conditions, which may vary depending on the region of residence. This will help to avoid refusals and delays in receiving assistance. Also, do not forget to update your family information if there are any changes.

Interesting fact:
Immigrants who have obtained permanent resident status can claim full child benefits, even if they were not employed in Belgium.

Benefits for protection status in Belgium

In Belgium, people who have been granted protection status can count on a number of social benefits that help them adapt and meet their basic needs. These benefits are provided to support them during the integration period and also in the event that they are unable to work. It is important to know what types of benefits are available, how to apply for them correctly, and what requirements apply to recipients. In this section, we will look at the main types of benefits for people with this status and the process of receiving them.

Financial assistance for obtaining protection status in Belgium:

• Unemployment benefit – provided to people who cannot find employment for various reasons. It is issued through the local employment service (VDAB). The amount depends on previous income and the amount of time in Belgium.
• Housing benefit – for those who need help paying rent. The amount depends on the family composition and income level.
• Social assistance is a basic payment for people who do not have sufficient means to live. The amount is determined depending on the need and the number of family members.
• Medical care – free medical care is provided in case of illness. It is issued through the healthcare system (RIZIV).
• Child benefit – paid for children registered in Belgium and can be received even with protection status.

In order to receive benefits under protection status in Belgium, it is important to apply in a timely manner and provide all the necessary documents proving your need. In most cases, the application process is simple, but requires attention. It is also worth remembering that receiving benefits may depend on the length of stay in the country and the availability of permanent housing. Therefore, it is important to study all the requirements and application deadlines in advance.

Tip:
It is important to remember that social benefits in Belgium may be subject to revision depending on changes in your status or family situation.

Average benefit amount in Belgium

The amount of benefits in Belgium for immigrants depends on several factors, such as status (e.g. protection status or labor migrant), the number of family members, income level and length of residence in the country. The type of benefit also plays an important role, as each type of social assistance is calculated separately. Knowing these factors will help you better understand the amount of benefits and what payments you can expect.

Type of benefit	Minimum size	Maximum size
Unemployment benefit	1,200 € per month	2,800 € per month
Housing benefit	150 € per month	800 € per month
Social assistance	1,000 € per month	1,800 € per month
Medical assistance	For free	For free
Allowance for children	100 € per child per month	200 € per child per month
Disability benefit	800 € per month	1,500 € per month
Pension benefit	1,200 € per month	2,200 € per month

The amount of benefits for immigrants in Belgium depends on a number of factors, and it is important to take into account all the conditions for the correct calculation of payments. At the same time, the social benefits system is aimed at supporting those who are in a difficult life situation. In order to receive maximum payments, it is necessary to regularly update information about your status and family composition. It is important to remember that in order to receive benefits, you must comply with all legal requirements and meet application deadlines.