In the 2023-2024 school year, over 8,000 families in Belgium faced the daunting task of repaying school allowances due to excessive unexcused absences. As revealed on April 16, 2025, by Flemish parliament member Katrien Schryvers (CD&V), this trend has raised concerns about the future of educational support for low-income families. The government plans to expedite repayment processes, but many question if this is the right approach.
- Schooltoeslag teruggevorderd bij 8.223 leerlingen
- Vlaamse regering wil strenger beleid invoeren
- Schryvers pleit voor betere opvolging van afwezigheden
- Terugvordering als laatste middel beschouwen
- Impact op gezinnen moet beter onderzocht worden
How Will Stricter School Allowance Policies Affect Belgian Families?
The Flemish government’s proposed changes aim to tighten regulations surrounding school allowances linked to student attendance. Currently, if a child has thirty or more unexcused absences over two consecutive years, families must repay their allowances. Under new proposals, this period may be reduced to just one year. Key points include:
- A significant rise in repayment cases: from 8,109 in 2022-2023 to 8,223 in 2023-2024.
- The need for better tracking of student absences and family circumstances.
- The potential for increased stress on low-income families already facing challenges.
As discussions continue around these reforms, it’s essential for stakeholders to consider the broader implications on education access and family stability. Will the government prioritize support alongside enforcement? Engaging with local communities can help shape a more balanced approach moving forward.
