How Is Maternity Leave Paid For In Belgium?

In Belgium, pregnant workers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave, consisting of two periods: prenatal leave of 6 weeks and postnatal leave of 9 weeks. Self-employed mothers can take 12 weeks of maternity leave (13 weeks with multiple births), with two of these weeks taking postnatally. A first payment is made no later than the 30th calendar day, starting from the first day of maternity leave. This is followed by monthly payments, which are always reduced.

Parents in the Belgian system are entitled to a period of paid parental leave per child, not paid by the employer but rather by the mutuelle in Brussels. When your child is born, you can get a maternity allowance in Brussels. For the first child or your partner’s first child, you get €1.340,90. For twins or other multiple births, you get €75,99.76.

Mothers, fathers, and co-parents are all entitled to parental leave. You are entitled to 4 months of leave for every child under the age of 12, or up to the age of 21 if your child has a mental or physical incapacity of at least. Maternity benefits are paid by the sickness insurance fund. To receive maternity benefits, you must submit an application to your health insurance fund, along with a medical certificate stating the expected delivery date and the date on which the period of maternity leave will begin.

As of 1 January 2023, the amount of maternity benefit per week is €830.67 or €415.33 for maternity leave at part-time for the first 4 weeks and €759.76 or €…

To apply for pregnancy and childbirth leave in Belgium, you must apply to your employer and Krankenkasse (health insurance) for the benefit you wish to receive. Pregnant workers are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave, consisting of two periods: prenatal leave of 6 weeks and postnatal leave of 9 weeks. Mothers, fathers, and co-parents are all entitled to parental leave.

How does maternity allowance get paid?

Maternity Allowance is paid every 2 or 4 weeks and is typically paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. Claiming Maternity Allowance may affect other benefits such as Universal Credit, bereavement benefits, Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment, Council Tax Reduction, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), which will stop if you receive Maternity Allowance.

What happens if a foreigner gives birth in Belgium?

Belgium allows babies born to Belgian parents to receive Belgian nationality at birth if both parents have Belgian nationality. If the parents have different nationalities, they must decide which one will be given at birth. Dual nationality can be arranged later, provided the second parent’s country of origin allows it. However, there are situations where a baby can acquire Belgian nationality without having a Belgian parent, such as when the baby is not entitled to either parent’s nationality and would be “stateless”. Belgium does not automatically grant Belgian nationality to babies born in Belgium.

When to tell employer about pregnancy in Belgium?

Employees expecting a single or multiple baby must inform their employer at least 7 weeks before the estimated due date, and at least 9 weeks before the estimated due date for multiple babies. This may seem overwhelming, but understanding the expectations and deadlines can make the task manageable. This page provides a list of main tasks to complete as your pregnancy progresses. Some topics are applicable to all, while others are written for those employed or self-employed in the Belgian system.

If working for an EU or international institution, consult with their HR department for rights and obligations regarding leave and allowances. The timeline includes early pregnancy, 6 months, last weeks, and after the birth.

How much does it cost to give birth in Belgium?

Childbirth in Belgium typically costs around 200 euros out of pocket for a double room stay, with additional charges for medicines, medical materials, and other care. A single room room costs around 1500 euros, and surcharges in a single room are not reimbursed unless extensive hospital insurance is taken out. Hospital insurance options include Solidaris’ KliniPlan, which offers comprehensive coverage in a double room, and KliniPlanPlus, which reimburses costs incurred in a single room after a 9-month waiting period.

How to afford maternity leave?

To prepare for a baby, it is essential to build up your savings, make a budget, look for deals on bills, shop secondhand, and maximize your work benefits. With the average cost of raising a child to 18 years estimated at £160, 000 for couples and £190, 000 for single parents, it is crucial to consider the long-term costs of your new arrival, including kit, clothes, food, and education, as well as the financial impact of maternity or adoption leave. It is essential to jump to saving, make a budget, shop secondhand, and make the most of what you are entitled to from work.

Is it free to give birth in Belgium?

Belgium requires all employed individuals to pay for mandatory health insurance, covering all birth-related consultations and services. Dependent spouses also receive cover if they don’t have their own. Even women without insurance can find pregnancy costs covered by the Public Social Welfare Centre. Belgium has agreements with over 20 countries outside Europe, ensuring equal healthcare access for non-EU residents. Both public and private health insurers in Belgium provide maternity coverage for having a baby. International insurance companies providing maternity coverage to expats in Belgium include:

What is the child birth benefit in Belgium?

In Brussels, parents receive child benefits for their children’s care and upbringing, including a one-time maternity allowance of €1. 340, 90 for the first child and €609, 50 for subsequent children at birth or adoption. These benefits cover a monthly basic amount per child and additional allowances depending on the situation. Pregnant parents can apply for their maternity allowance now. Additional allowances may apply depending on the child’s situation.

Which country pays highest child benefit?

The level of financial assistance provided to families with children varies considerably depending on the number of children, the family structure, and the income of the parents. In Austria, Luxembourg, and Finland, the support offered is particularly generous, whereas in some countries, no assistance is provided after the costs of childcare, housing, and other essentials have been accounted for.

Who pays maternity pay in Belgium?

The sickness insurance fund provides financial assistance to employees who are on maternity leave. The leave period is 15 weeks, including prenatal leave of up to 6 weeks and postnatal leave of up to 9 weeks. During this period, employers are not required to provide remuneration, but employees are entitled to receive a maternity benefit.

How is maternity pay calculated?

The summary is about how to calculate the weekly average of SMP, which is paid at 90 of your normal earnings in the reference period. For the first six weeks, SMP is paid at 90 of your earnings, and for the next 33 weeks, it is paid at the same 90 of your earnings or the flat rate, whichever is lower. For example, Linda, who earns £5, 000 gross in two months, would need to divide this by two, multiply it by 12 to get an annual figure of £30, 000, and then divide by 52 to get a weekly average of £576. 92.

How to claim maternity benefits?

To apply for SSS Maternity Benefits, you need to provide proof of your pregnancy to your company’s HR department, register for a My. SSS account, notify SSS of your pregnancy, and set up GCash as your disbursement account. Eligibility for SSS Maternity Benefits is crucial for financial support during pregnancy and childbirth. Under the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, you are entitled to maternity benefits for each pregnancy, regardless of the number of pregnancies you have had.

The Social Security System (SSS) provides a cash benefit equivalent to 100 of your average daily salary credit, and financial assistance also applies to miscarriage and emergency termination of pregnancy (ETP).