Baby on the way

Childbirth Benefit/Birth Allowance

Your family is getting that little bit bigger. Each time you adopt a child, you can get some help in the form of an adoption allowance.

Apply for childbirth benefit in three easy steps

You can apply for childbirth benefit after during your pregnancy, and you can still do so even after the birth of your child.

Apply for your child benefit in just a few clicks and Brussels Family will take care of the rest.

As soon as we receive your application, we will ensure that it is dealt with quickly and correctly. If everything is correctly filled in, you will receive the childbirth benefit in your account at the earliest two months before your expected due date. We have 5 payments a month so that you receive your birth allowance as soon as possible.

Example: Marlies is due to give birth on 4 April. She applies for her childbirth benefit after five months’ pregnancy. She can therefore receive it on 4 February at the earliest.

Thereafter, you are automatically entitled to child benefit from the first month after the birth of your child. You will receive this benefit on the eighth of the following month.

Example: Marlies gives birth on 4 April. She is entitled to child benefit for her child from 1 May. She receives her child benefit for the first time on 8 June.

Who can apply for childbirth benefit?

Both the expectant mother and father of the child can apply for childbirth benefit.

If you find yourself in a different situation, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will be happy to help you further.

Who receives the childbirth benefit?

The mother of the child receives the childbirth benefit.

How much childbirth benefit will you receive?

The amount of childbirth benefit you are entitled to depends on your family situation. You can find the correct amount in the following table (amounts applicable as from 01/12/2022)

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What should you do after giving birth?

If your child is born in Belgium,

you should provide us with an original copy of the birth certificate to receive childbirth benefit. You will receive this when you register your child with the registrar.

If your child is born in another Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA),

we can send the childbirth benefit abroad provided that you are still employed on the day of birth. If you are self-employed, you may not apply for childbirth benefit in this case. If your child is born in France or Luxembourg, you should apply for childbirth benefit there. You should also register your child in Belgium as soon as possible.

If your child is born outside the European Economic Area (EEA),

you receive childbirth benefit if you stay abroad with the child for no longer than two months. If you are staying abroad for a longer period, you must get individual dispensation from FPS Social Security in order to receive childbirth benefit.

If you are seconded abroad by your employer but are still subject to Belgian social security contributions, you need no individual dispensation in order to receive childbirth benefit. If you still have a question, be sure to get in touch with us. We will be happy to help you further.

Are you a self-employed mother?

If you are a mother and self-employed as your main occupation or are a co-operating partner with maxi-status, you are entitled to maternity assistance after the birth of your child in the form of service vouchers. Please contact your social insurance fund and they will take care of this for you.