Planning a student job? Here’s what you need to know!

Summer is just around the corner, and you’re thinking about taking on a student job? Great idea! But before you get started, make sure you understand the rules — so you don’t risk losing your child benefit or running into tax surprises. Here’s a quick overview.

If you live in the Brussels-Capital Region, you can work up to 240 hours per quarter without losing your right to child benefit. Even better: this limit doesn’t apply in July, August, and September, as long as you continue your studies after the summer.

All working hours count, even those under a regular employment contract. However, hours worked as part of a mandatory internship or alternating training programme are not included.

Are you under 18? Then you’re entitled to child benefit no matter how many hours you work. From age 18, the rules depend on where you live.

As a student worker, you get a quota of 600 hours per year during which you and your employer pay reduced social contributions. You can use these hours whenever you like. If you go over the limit, you’ll pay regular contributions—just like any other employee.

You can check your remaining hours on https://www.studentatwork.be or via the Student@work app. Log in with itsme or your eID.

You can earn up to €15,100 gross per year (after social contributions) without paying taxes. But you must always file a tax return. If you earn more, you’ll have to pay taxes yourself.

To remain fiscally dependent on your parents, your annual income must not exceed €12,422.50 gross. If you earn more, your parents will lose this tax benefit and may have to pay more taxes.

For anything related to child benefit in Brussels, you can count on Famiris.
Contact us via our contact form or call us on 0800 35 950 (free of charge).

Have questions about your student contract, social contributions or taxes? Visit Student@Work – the go-to platform for everything you need to know as a student worker.