Pleegzorgtoeslag (foster care allowance)
A child living with a foster family is entitled to the pleegzorgtoeslag in addition to the basisbedrag (basic amount) of the Vlaams Groeipakket (Flemish Growth Package).
Who is it for?
Who receives the pleegzorgtoeslag depends on the type of foster care:
- Long-term placement (perspectiefbiedende pleegzorg)
The child stays with the foster family for a longer period. The pleegzorgtoeslag is paid to the foster parent(s). - Short-term foster care (perspectiefzoekende pleegzorg)
The intention is for the child to return to their parents in the short term. The pleegzorgtoeslag is then paid to the beneficiary who received the Vlaams Groeipakket before the placement, usually the biological parent(s).
Opgroeien automatically informs your payment provider of the type of placement. You do not need to take any action yourself.
In some cases, the public authority arranging the placement may appoint another person to receive the pleegzorgtoeslag.
Amount
The pleegzorgtoeslag is an additional monthly amount paid on top of the basisbedrag to help cover the additional costs of foster care.
Pleegzorgtoeslag
73.63 euros per month
An overview of all amounts: Amounts and payment dates.
Conditions
You are entitled to the pleegzorgtoeslag if:
- the child has been officially placed with your foster family through Pleegzorg Vlaanderen (Opgroeien)
- the placement, or a change to the placement, dates from 1 January 2019 onwards
- the child is under 18
The basisbedrag is always paid to the foster family for as long as the child is placed with them.
Do you need to apply?
No. Opgroeien automatically informs your payment provider of the placement. You receive the pleegzorgtoeslag automatically as soon as you are entitled to it.
Payment
The pleegzorgtoeslag is paid together with the basisbedrag, around the 8th of the month.
Pleegzorgtoeslag and other allowances
The pleegzorgtoeslag is combined with the basisbedrag. Depending on your family circumstances, income or the child’s situation, you may also be entitled to additional allowances. A foster child is counted in full when determining household size.