Becoming a parent, getting married, legally cohabitating: as many steps that trigger rights and obligations very specific to the region where you live. Here is the overview.
Since the 6th State Reform (2014), family allowances are a regional competency. Each region has its own system, its own amounts and its own body — there is no longer a single "federal" allowance.
The principle remains the same everywhere: each child opens a right to a monthly allowance, plus supplements based on age, rank in the siblings, family situation and sometimes income. But amounts and modalities differ significantly from one region to another.
System with fixed amounts per child + social supplements based on income. Born from a merger of former Brussels funds.
Public funds (FAMIWAL) and private funds coexist. Fixed amounts per child + annual flat-rate supplement in August for the school year.
Integrated system that brings together birth allowance, monthly allowances, school grants and participation aids. The most complete regional system.
Strong fiscal and patrimonial solidarity. Protection of the surviving spouse. Possibility of marriage contract to choose the matrimonial regime.
Intermediate status. Patrimonial consequences registered with the municipality. Lighter fiscal solidarity than marriage.
Simple cohabitation without recognition. No automatic protection for the surviving partner. Important to anticipate via will.
Recognition with the municipality, opening of family allowance, tax adjustment, mutuality, childcare... many automatic and non-automatic steps.
Regionally regulated daycare centers. Waiting lists often long in cities — early registration recommended. Rates often indexed on income.
Maternity, paternity, parental, time credit. Federal system but with possible regional supplements based on status.