As of this summer, people with disabilities aged above 65 in Flanders can now claim financial support, thanks to a newly approved legislative proposal initiated by Minister Rob Beenders of the Vooruit party.
Previously, individuals with disabilities aged between 18 and 65 who were unable to work were entitled to an income replacement benefit, provided by the federal government. Upon reaching pension age, this support transitioned into the income guarantee for the elderly, a pension substitute funded by regional governments.
However, since the legal retirement age in Flanders increased to 67 on 1 January 2025, a gap emerged for those aged 65 to 67. These individuals were deemed ineligible for both the income replacement benefit and the income guarantee for the elderly.
To address this issue, the new measure extends eligibility for disability benefits up to the legal retirement age, which is currently 67. “This adjustment ensures that no one falls through the cracks,” explained Minister Beenders. “If the retirement age increases further, the maximum age for receiving benefits will also rise accordingly.”
This change ensures continued financial support for people with disabilities during the gap years before they qualify for a pension substitute.
