The city of Antwerp is set to increase oversight on residents receiving a living wage who are also declared unfit for work. This move, confirmed by the city and reported by Gazet van Antwerpen, aims to ensure that those on social benefits are genuinely unable to work. As of 2025-08-07 17:55:00, around one in ten Antwerp residents on a living wage are officially recognized as disabled.
- Antwerpen controleert leefloon en arbeidsongeschiktheid
- Gazet van Antwerpen meldt het nieuws
- 1 op 10 leefloners is arbeidsongeschikt
- Schepen Van Baren benadrukt werkmogelijkheden
- Sommigen kunnen nog ander werk doen
However, Antwerp alderman Nathalie Van Baren (N-VA) suggests that some individuals classified as unfit for work may still be capable of taking on other employment. This raises important questions: How will the city balance support with accountability? And what impact might this have on the local social welfare system?
These developments prompt a closer look at the future of social benefits in Antwerp and how the city plans to manage resources effectively while supporting vulnerable citizens.
Is this increased control a necessary step toward fairness, or could it risk penalizing those truly unable to work? Antwerp’s approach highlights several key issues:
- Ensuring social benefits reach only those who need them most
- Identifying opportunities for alternative employment among the disabled
- Balancing compassion with fiscal responsibility
- Potentially reducing dependency on public funds through active monitoring
Looking ahead, Antwerp’s strategy could serve as a model for other Belgian cities. It will be crucial to monitor its outcomes and maintain a fair process that supports both the city’s economy and its most vulnerable residents.
