From 1 September, students from outside the European Union who are residing in Brussels on a student visa will no longer be entitled to child benefits in the Brussels Region.
A proposal by Benjamin Dalle (CD&V), co-sponsored by Pascal Smet (Vooruit) and Sadik Köksal (MR), was approved on Tuesday morning in a committee by MR, Les Engagés, Groen, and N-VA, while CD&V and Vooruit lacked voting rights. PS and Ecolo abstained, and PVDA voted against it.
The proposed ordinance will revoke the provision of child benefits from 1 September for students from third countries, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA) who stay in Brussels with a student visa, though acquired rights will remain intact.
The financial impact of the proposal is significant. Iriscare’s calculations estimate annual savings will rise from €700,000 in 2025 to €17.8 million by 2030.
Benjamin Dalle stated, “With this proposal, we aim to secure the affordability of the Brussels child benefits system for the future. By taking action today and implementing targeted measures, we prevent pressure on child benefits for Brussels families.” Furthermore, the ordinance aligns Brussels rules with those of Flanders and Wallonia, preventing an influx of beneficiaries to Brussels.
Pascal Smet commented, “This is a logical saving that does not affect Brussels residents and has positive financial impacts in the short term. Other regions have similar regulations, so we are harmonising child benefits. Additionally, Belgians studying abroad do not receive such benefits, so we are aligning our policies.”
Köksal emphasised that the reform is based on a simple principle: “Family allowances should benefit young people who have a genuine and lasting connection with Belgium and actually reside in the Brussels Region.”
