Single-parent family and child allowances in Brussels
Are you raising your children alone?
You may be eligible for additional support on top of your child allowances.
Single-parent family: What does it involve and are you entitled to benefits?
Who constitutes a single-parent family?
Are you a parent living alone with your children? Then you may be entitled to a higher allowance. This also applies if it concerns grandchildren, stepchildren, or other children living with you and for whom you care.
Even if another family member (up to the 3rd degree) lives with you, such as your father, mother, sister, or brother, you are still considered a single parent. This may qualify you for a higher family allowance.
If someone who is not a 3rd degree family member lives with you, you may still be eligible for an allowance if:
- There is a rental agreement between you and the person living at the same address. A copy of the rental agreement serves as proof, but it must be registered.
- There is an employment contract between you and the person living at the same address (e.g., an au pair agreement), you may qualify for an allowance.
How much is the allowance for a single-parent family?
When determining the amount of the allowance on the family allowance, your income is considered.
Gross taxable annual income < €38,625.31
| Gross taxable annual family income | Number of children in the household | ||
| Less than 38.625,31 € | 1 child | 2 children | 3 children |
| I am single | 219.42 € 243.80 € (from age 12*) |
268.18 €/child 292.56 €/kind (from age 12*) |
329.13 €/child 353.51 €/kind (from age 12*) |
(*) The amounts are increased by €11.95 for children aged 18 and over who are enrolled in higher education (college/university).
If you think you qualify for an allowance as a single-parent family and it is not granted to you, please contact us. The rules are quite complex and there are various exceptions that you as a Brussels resident may not be aware of.
Our specialists are eager to hear about your specific income and family situation and then investigate what allowances you are entitled to.
Click here to talk to us and discover what you are entitled to
Or go directly to our child allowance calculator and calculate for yourself what amount you are entitled to.
What do our families say about Brussels Family?
“Very satisfied with the service. I automatically receive child benefits for each child every month! Easy application and fast payments.”
Gabriella, 31
“My family benefits fund for years. I’m very satisfied. They respond very quickly and you can ask any questions.”
Mitch, 29
“Excellent service, regular payments every month.”
Fatima, 34
“Great team, fantastic consultants, attentive, quick, and very pleasant.”
Sarine, 27Specific family situations
Frequently asked questions
We are happy to help you understand how to modify your household composition. We know that changes in family life can be complicated, but we will explain everything you need to know.
New birth: You simply need to register your child with the civil registry office of your municipality. This will automatically update your household composition and Brussels Family will be informed of this change.
Divorce: Anyone who has left the household (your ex-spouse or yourself) must register their new address with the civil registry office of their municipality. From that moment on, they will no longer be considered part of your household composition and your file will be updated by Brussels Family.
If an additional person comes to live with you, the local police officer will need to verify their presence before your household composition can be updated. Brussels Family will then automatically be informed of this change.
Finally, if a person leaves your household, you simply need to inform the civil registry office again. If this person provides their new address to the civil registry office, no further formalities are required and your household composition will be automatically updated.
If you have any questions about how to modify your household composition, feel free to contact the civil registry office of your municipality. And if you want to know more about social supplements in the context of family allowances, you can find all the information you need on our website.
You can submit your application for the adoption allowance once the adoption request has been filed with the court and the child is living with the adoptive parent. If you meet these conditions, follow these steps:
- Send us a copy of the adoption request that you filed with the court. For adopted children from abroad, also send us a copy of the adoption certificate from the respective country.
- Generally, we automatically verify your eligibility for an adoption allowance. However, submitting an application can speed up this process. Feel free to call us or send us an email regarding this matter.
Your eligibility for monthly family allowances is automatically assessed at the same time as your eligibility for the adoption allowance. Therefore, you do not need to send a separate application.