Belgium's Federal Government reached an agreement on the second reading of the so-called "programme law," which includes the limitation of unemployment benefits over time.
Over 115,000 people will lose their unemployment benefits between 1 January and 1 April 2026. A second wave, from July 2026, will see an additional 60,000 people losing their benefits – bringing the tally for next year to nearly 180,000 people losing benefits.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever's (N-VA) 'Arizona' Government reached its Easter agreement on a number of socio-economic reforms in April, but several modalities still had to be ironed out. This was done on Wednesday evening, during a second reading.
The limitation of long-term unemployment benefits will be implemented in three phases, according to Federal Labour and Economy Minister David Clarinval (MR).
On 1 January 2026, the benefits will be stopped for those who have been unemployed for more than 20 years. On 1 March, those who have been unemployed for more than eight years will follow. Finally, on 1 April, it will be the turn of those who have been unemployed for between two and eight years.
The two-year limitation will not apply to those receiving income guarantee benefits. That is a benefit from the National Employment Office for those who resume work part-time. They will be able to keep their benefits if they work at least half-time.
The phasing follows consultation with the regions, social partners and Public Welfare Centres (CPAS-OCMW). The Federal Government also took into account the opinion of the Council of State. "I hear that 1 January as a date would have too great an impact for many people, including the welfare centres, so we decided to implement the first phase in three steps," Clarinval told Belga News Agency.
Several more variants were on the table for the unemployment restriction, among other things. It was a request from the CPAS/OCMW to introduce this measure in phases.
This is because part of the people who lose their unemployment benefits will move on to these centres, leading to a greater workload there.
