Avoid Losing Your Child Benefits.. Crucial Belgian Rules You Must Know Now

Avoid Losing Child Benefits: Key Belgian Rules to Know Now

In 2024, Belgian students could work 600 hours at a low social rate, but in 2025, this increases to 650 hours—impacting taxes and Groeipakket eligibility.

Marie Dupont12 June 2025Last Update : 1 day ago

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Changes to student work regulations in Belgium are important for many young people as they plan their finances for 2025. Understanding how the new rules affect social contributions and tax status is essential, especially with the upcoming tax filing deadline on 2025-06-11 22:30:00. Students and their parents need clarity on how working hours and income limits impact benefits like the Groeipakket.

6 Key Takeaways

Students can work 650 hours at low social rate
Exceeding hours triggers higher social tax rate
Parents risk losing Groeipakket if exceeded
Income threshold raised to 12,000 euros yearly
Students can earn up to 21,840 euros
Maintain income to stay fiscally dependent

In 2024, students could work up to 600 hours at a reduced social contribution rate before higher rates and potential benefit losses kicked in. For 2025, these thresholds have shifted, allowing students to work more hours but still requiring careful attention to income levels. How do these changes influence students’ tax liabilities and parental support status?

Let’s break down what Belgian students and families should know for the coming year to avoid surprises and make informed decisions.

Fast Answer: In 2025, Belgian students can work up to 650 hours at a low social contribution rate; earning under €21,840 keeps them fiscally dependent on parents and preserves the Groeipakket, provided income limits are respected.

What do these updates mean in practice? Students have gained more flexibility, but caution remains key. Will working extra hours cost more in social contributions? Could earning more jeopardize family benefits?

Students now benefit from a raised 650-hour limit at a reduced 2.71% social contribution rate.
Exceeding this limit triggers a higher 13.07% rate and risks losing the Groeipakket for parents.
Income thresholds increased: net allowable income up to €12,000 means no tax due, and earning up to €21,840 keeps students fiscally dependent.
Maintaining fiscal dependency requires at least one-third of income from professional work.

These changes reflect Belgium’s ongoing efforts to balance student work opportunities with social protection and family support, relevant for tax filings and benefit eligibility in 2025.

As the tax deadline approaches, students and parents should review their working hours and income carefully. Are you maximizing opportunities without risking benefits? Staying informed now can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure smooth tax submissions next year.