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Will you remain entitled to child benefits?

If you are younger than 18, you are always entitled to child benefits, no matter how much you work. Once having reached that age, the number of hours you may work depends upon your place of residence.

  • In Wallonia, you are authorised to work during your studies for 600 hours under a student contract without losing your family allowance entitlement.If you exceed these 600 hours, you are eligible for an additional quota of 240 hours per term, during which you can still work without any impact on your family allowance payment. Only the days actually worked are taken into consideration (and not paid public holidays, for example). Hours worked during a compulsory or non-compulsory work placement as part of your degree are not taken into account in this quota.
  • In the German-speaking Community you may work without restriction with a student contract while studying.
  • In Flanders, you are not authorised to work more than 600 hours a year.
  • In the Brussels-Capital Region, you are authorised to work a maximum of 240 hours per term. This provision does not apply in July, August and September, as long as you recommence your studies after the summer holidays. In Brussels, all working hours are taken into account, including those worked under an “ordinary employment contract”.

Please note: if you work more than the allowed number of hours, you might lose the right to child benefits!

Consult the regional websites for more information: