The various current social measures should in the future be automatically granted to Belgian citizens having the right to access them, without citizens needing to specifically request this. Theo Francken, in his role as Secretary of State for Administrative Simplification, stated to this effect today (Thursday) in Le Soir and De Tijd. This will take place, as well as other measures expected to facilitate daily operation in this sphere.
A database has already been compiled, pulling together all possible social expenditure. The automatic system for granting such help, already exists for the disabled (it is well established that “A handicapped individual seeking a reduced fare season ticket should not have to demonstrate his disability”).
This will progressively be extended to other rights. These will include gas and electricity reductions. Also likely to be included are Belgium's approximate equivalent of the Income Support and the Guarantee Minimum Income Guarantee for Pensioners, Theo Francken explains. To be fair, the precise agenda for such rights is not yet known.
Another measure announced with a view to administrative simplification measures is that from the next tax return submission date, data relating to the deduction of a mortgage will be pre-filled.
The Brussels Times
