Delays in receiving the leefloon continue to affect many residents in Anderlecht, raising concerns about social welfare administration in Belgium. Single mother Irena’s story highlights the struggles faced by those dependent on this crucial support, as she experienced months without payments due to administrative hold-ups. With the annual review of leefloon approaching, many wonder how widespread these delays are and what causes them.
- Irena experiences delayed social welfare payments
- OCMW Anderlecht suspends benefits during reviews
- Baskuul advises maintaining benefits during assessments
- Administrative delays cause financial hardships for recipients
- ADAS highlights systemic issues in Brussels OCMWs
- Multiple organizations advocate for process improvements
On 2025-08-20 10:07:00, a report from Baskuul and partner organisations revealed that at least 80 cases in Anderlecht involve people entitled to leefloon but left waiting for months. The problem is not isolated, with similar issues reported across major Brussels OCMWs, but Anderlecht remains a hotspot for these delays. What can be done to prevent vulnerable families from falling into debt during these waiting periods?
Why do these delays persist despite ongoing efforts? The core issues include:
- Mandatory social investigations often lag behind, temporarily halting payments.
- Staff shortages and absences at OCMWs slow down case processing.
- Structural and chronic problems within Anderlecht’s welfare system remain unresolved.
- Similar backlogs affect other Brussels municipalities, though Anderlecht is notably impacted.
To improve the situation, authorities must prioritise continuous leefloon payments during reviews and increase resources for social services. Will policymakers act swiftly to prevent further hardship for families like Irena’s? The coming months will be critical in shaping a more reliable safety net for Belgium’s most vulnerable.
