Child benefits in Flanders 2026 — the Groeipakket explained
In Flanders, child benefits are called the Groeipakket ("growth package"). Here is how it works in 2026: the birth grant, the basic monthly amount, supplements, how to apply and how to choose your fund — explained simply.
This article covers only the Flemish scheme (the Groeipakket). To understand the Belgian system as a whole, first read the complete guide to child benefits in Belgium. The Brussels and Walloon schemes have their own amounts.
The Groeipakket: the Flemish scheme since 2019
Since the sixth state reform, child benefits have been a regional competence. Flanders thoroughly overhauled its scheme in 2019 and renamed it the Groeipakket. The idea: financial support that follows the child from birth until the end of their studies.
The scheme is steered by Opgroeien (the Flemish agency for children, formerly Kind en Gezin). But Opgroeien is not who pays you: you receive your Groeipakket through a fund of your choice.
The Groeipakket distinguishes between children born on or after 1 January 2019 (new system, a single basic amount per child) and children born before 2019, who remain in the old system where the amount depended on the child's rank in the family. If you have children on both sides of that date, both logics can coexist in your file.
The 2026 amounts: startbedrag and basisbedrag
For children born from 2019 onwards, the Groeipakket rests on two main building blocks: a one-off start grant (startbedrag) and a monthly basic amount (basisbedrag).
| Benefit | Indicative amount 2026 |
|---|---|
| Startbedrag — birth / adoption grant (one-off) | €1,269.25 |
| Basisbedrag — basic amount (per child / month, born ≥ 2019) | €184.62 |
⚠️ Indicative amounts for 2026 — check with your Groeipakket fund.
The startbedrag (the birth or adoption grant) is paid once per child, around the birth or adoption. The basisbedrag is then paid every month, per child. On top of these two come several supplements depending on your situation. To compare with the rest of the country, see our page on the birth grant in Belgium.
The supplements: age, income, school bonus
Beyond the basic amount, the Groeipakket provides several combinable supplements depending on your situation. They can significantly increase the total paid out.
Social supplements are often granted automatically via tax data — but not always at the right moment. If something changes (job loss, separation, drop in income), tell your fund without delay: you may be entitled sooner than you think.
How to apply for your Groeipakket
Unlike part of the Brussels scheme, the Flemish Groeipakket requires an active application for the birth grant: you apply for it yourself, and you can do so before the birth.
Choosing or switching funds
You are free to choose one of the five approved funds in Flanders, and to switch afterwards. Since the statutory amounts are identical everywhere, your choice comes down to service, the app, responsiveness and support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Groeipakket?
It is the name of the Flemish child benefit scheme since 2019. It is regulated by Opgroeien and paid out by five funds (KidsLife, Parentia, Infino, FONS, MyFamily).
How much is the birth grant in Flanders?
The startbedrag (birth or adoption grant) is €1,269.25, paid once per child.
What is the monthly basic amount in 2026?
For children born from 2019, the basisbedrag is €184.62 per month and per child. Supplements may be added.
What about children born before 2019?
They remain in the old system, where the amount depended on the child's rank in the family. Your fund automatically applies the correct logic based on the year of birth.
When should I apply for the grant?
As soon as your pregnancy is known, ideally about 2 months before the due date, so it is paid before the birth.