Child benefits in Belgium: what parents need to know

In summary:  

• Child benefits help families cover some of the costs of raising a child. 
• In addition to monthly child benefits, parents may be entitled to a one-off birth premium when a child is born or adopted. 
• The amounts and conditions vary depending on whether you live in Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia.  
• Additional support may be available depending on your income and family situation. 
• New parents should also budget for medical costs, childcare and baby equipment. 
• Part of your childcare costs may be tax-deductible, depending on your circumstances. 
• Starting to save early can help you prepare for your child's future needs and expenses. 

What are child benefits? 

Child benefits are a form of financial support designed to help families cover some of the costs of raising a child. 

In Belgium, parents may be entitled to monthly child benefits, a one-off birth premium and, in some cases, additional allowances depending on their family situation. The exact amounts and conditions depend on where you live. 

The goal is to help families with the many expenses that come with raising a child, from childcare and clothing to education and everyday living costs.  

What financial support can you receive when a child is born? 

When a child is born or adopted, families in Belgium can benefit from several forms of financial support.  

The first is a one-off birth premium, which helps cover some of the initial costs associated with welcoming a child into your family. Parents also receive monthly child benefits to help with ongoing expenses. 

Depending on where you live and your personal circumstances, you may also qualify for additional support. In Flanders, for example, families receive support through the Groeipakket system, which includes a birth premium, monthly child benefits and an annual school bonus. 

How much can you receive? 

The amount of financial support you receive depends on your region of residence rather than where you work. While the systems differ slightly between Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia, each region provides a birth premium and monthly child benefits. 

Region	Monthly child benefits*	Birth premium
Flanders	€184.62 per child	€1,269.25 per child
Brussels	Between €177.55 and €215.59 per child**	€1,395.02 for a first child or multiple birth, €634.10 from the second child onwards
Wallonia	€196.57 per child	€1,395.02 per child

* Standard amounts. Additional allowances may be available depending on your family situation and income. 

** The amount depends on the child’s age and family circumstances. 

In Flanders, support is provided through the Groeipakket system. In addition to monthly child benefits and a birth premium (known as the startbedrag), children also receive an annual school bonus. 

Families in Brussels and Wallonia may also qualify for additional allowances depending on their income, family situation or their child’s specific care needs. 

Sources :

• Famiris  – Child benefit amounts & Famiris – birth premiums/maternity allowances  
• FAMIWAL – Summary of child benefit amounts
• Groeipakket – amount overview & Groeipakket – basic amount

How do you apply for child benefits and the birth premium? 

Applying for child benefits and the birth premium is generally straightforward, although the exact procedure depends on where you live. 

In most cases, you can apply for the birth premium from the sixth month of pregnancy by providing a medical certificate confirming the expected date of birth. In the case of adoption, additional supporting documentation may be required. 

The application can usually be completed online or by submitting a paper form. After your child is born, monthly child benefits are paid according to the rules that apply in your region of residence. 

What costs should new parents expect? 

While child benefits and birth premiums can provide valuable support, having a child also comes with a range of additional expenses. 

The first costs often arise during pregnancy, with medical consultations, scans and childbirth-related expenses. The amount you pay will depend on factors such as your healthcare coverage, your hospitalisation insurance and the type of hospital room you choose. It is worth checking in advance which costs are reimbursed by your health insurer. 

Once your child is born, you may need to invest in baby equipment such as a cot, pushchair, car seat and clothing. Many families also choose to prepare a nursery or child’s room before the birth. 

As your child grows, childcare can become one of the biggest expenses. Depending on the type of childcare you choose and how often you use it, costs can vary significantly. Fortunately, part of your childcare costs may be tax-deductible, depending on your circumstances and the applicable tax rules. 

For young children, organisations such as Kind en Gezin in Flanders and ONE in the French-speaking community provide free consultations and recommended vaccinations. 

Planning these expenses in advance can help you manage your budget more effectively and avoid unexpected financial pressure during your child’s first years. 

How can you reduce the cost of raising a child? 

Raising a child comes with many expenses, but there are several ways to keep costs under control. 

Many baby items, such as cots, pushchairs, high chairs and toys, are only used for a short time and can often be bought second-hand in excellent condition. Friends and family may also be able to lend equipment that is no longer needed. 

For larger purchases, it can be worth comparing prices and planning ahead. Creating a baby gift list can also help spread some of the initial costs among family and friends. 

These simple steps can help you spend less while making more sustainable choices.

How BNP Paribas Fortis can help

The arrival of a child is an important life event that often changes your financial priorities. From managing day-to-day expenses to planning for future costs, having a clear financial plan can provide valuable peace of mind. 

BNP Paribas Fortis can support you with solutions tailored to your family’s needs, whether you are looking to open a savings account for your child, manage your household budget or start saving for future expenses. 

Starting early can make a real difference. Even small amounts saved regularly can help you prepare for important milestones in your child’s life, from hobbies and studies to their first steps towards financial independence.