With a population of over 11.6 million, Belgium is a small yet diversified nation in Western Europe. It is renowned for having a first-rate healthcare system, generous social welfare programs, and high living standards. Understanding the many social benefits and welfare programs that are available to you as an immigrant in this country is crucial. In this article, you will look at the many advantages that immigrants can get, along with the requirements for receiving them.
Healthcare benefits
Healthcare is regarded as a fundamental right in this country. So, regardless of one’s citizenship or immigration status, everyone gets access to complete healthcare services. The same healthcare benefits are available to immigrants who are lawfully residing in this nation as Belgian citizens. According to your income level, you may be eligible for free or reduced-cost medical care, hospitalization, and medicines.
You must sign up with a health insurance company to use these healthcare benefits. If you have a job, your employer will sign you up for health insurance on your behalf. You can sign up for health insurance on your own if you are unemployed. In Belgium, the cost of health insurance is determined by your income, with lower-income people paying cheaper premiums.
Social welfare benefits
The social welfare system in this country is strong and helps those who are unable to sustain themselves financially. If an immigrant meets the requirements and is legally residing in Belgium, they may be eligible for social assistance payments. In this nation, the following social welfare benefits are the most prevalent:
Unemployment benefits
You can qualify for unemployment benefits if you lose your job and are unable to locate new employment. You must have worked and contributed to social security for a minimum amount of time to be eligible.
Disability benefits
You can qualify for disability benefits if a handicap prevents you from working. You must be unable to work due to a recognized impairment to qualify.
Child benefits
You might qualify for child benefits if you have kids. Your income level and the number of children you have will both affect how many children support you get.
Housing benefits
You might be qualified for housing aid if you are having financial trouble paying your rent. Your household size and income level also affect how much housing assistance you get.
Social assistance
You may qualify for social assistance if you are unable to sustain yourself financially. Your household size and income level both affect how much social help you get.
You must be a legal resident of Belgium and fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for social assistance benefits. Others are determined by your income level and household size, while certain benefits depend on how long you’ve worked and paid into social security. To find out more about your eligibility for social welfare benefits, get in touch with your neighborhood social welfare office.
Education benefits
No matter their country or immigration status, all children in this country have access to free primary and secondary education thanks to an exceptional educational system. Children from legal immigrants who are residing here have the same rights to education as children from Belgium, including the ability to attend school. The three primary levels of the Belgian educational system are:
Primary education
Children aged 6 to 12 attend primary school for six years.
Secondary education
Children aged 12 to 18 attend secondary school for six years.
Higher education
After finishing their secondary education, students can enroll in universities or other higher education institutions.
Also, immigrants who are legally residing in Belgium are eligible for financial aid for higher education. Your income level and household size determine how much financial aid you get. Adult education programs may help adult immigrants who dropped out of secondary school get the qualifications they need to enroll in higher education.
You may also find these articles helpful
Things to know before immigrating to Belgium
Moving to Belgium: Full relocation guide
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Belgium
