What happens to my child benefits if I move to another region or abroad?
Moving to another region in Belgium
If you move to another region (Flanders, Wallonia, German-speaking Community), you will receive child benefits from a child benefit fund in that region. The amount of the child benefits will also change.
Moving abroad
If you move abroad with your child(ren), your right to child benefits usually ends. However, in some situations, you may still be entitled.
Posting abroad for a Belgian employer
In principle, your entitlement to child benefits remains unchanged. Inform your case manager that you are being posted abroad by a Belgian employer.
You are moving to a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
In these cases, you may still be entitled to child benefits in Belgium :
- If one of the parents works in Belgium, you may be entitled to the amounts from the region where the employer is located.
- If one of the parents receives a Belgian pension or Belgian social benefits, there may still be an intervention for child benefits depending on the situation.
You may also be entitled to benefits in the country where you reside with your child(ren). It is important to also apply for family benefits in that country.
It is not possible to receive the full amount both in Brussels and in the other country. If you are also entitled abroad, we will check which country should pay first. In some situations, we can make an additional payment if the Brussels amounts are higher. Everything depends on your professional and family situation and in which country in question.
You are moving to a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
Belgium has concluded bilateral agreements with several countries: Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Macedonia, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, and Turkey. Each agreement contains specific conditions regarding the entitlement to Belgian child benefits.
Other countries: If your family moves to a country that is neither an EEA country nor Switzerland nor a country that has concluded a bilateral agreement with Belgium, the entitlement to child benefits usually ends.
Important
This is complex legislation. Your case manager can only fully investigate your right if they have all the elements of your family and professional situation. Therefore, it is important to contact Famiris if you move abroad.
Similar questions
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