My child is studying abroad: am I entitled to child benefit?
My child is studying abroad, now what? As long as your child remains domiciled in Brussels, they may still receive child benefit under certain conditions.
The study program must be recognized by the government of the country where your child is going to study. If the programme is not recognized, the student must follow courses for 17 hours (secondary education) or for 13 hours or 27 credits (higher education).
What to do if your child studies abroad?
Inform Famiris if your child is going to study abroad. Your personal case manager will then provide you with the proper form for the foreign educational institution to complete.
Where does your child study?
Your child studies in a country of the European Economic Area or in Switzerland
If your child is studying in a country in the European Economic Area or in Switzerland and continues to reside in Brussels, it may be possible to receive Brussels child benefits for the duration of the study (including in the context of an exchange program such as Erasmus).
Your child must, of course, continue to meet the general conditions for child benefit:
- the child must be under 25 years of age,
- they must remain domiciled in Belgium,
- and be exclusively or mainly under your responsibility.
If your child meets all these conditions, you may continue to receive child benefit in Belgium while your child is studying abroad.
Your child studies in a country outside of the European Economic Area or Switzerland
Always contact your case manager for more information if your child goes to study outside the EEA. This is complex legislation.
You can find your case manager’s contact details in our letters or on myFamiris.
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