Startbedrag for birth or adoption
The startbedrag (start grant) is a one-off payment you receive when a child is born or adopted. It was previously known as a maternity grant, birth grant or adoption grant.
The Startbedrag is part of the Vlaams Groeipakket (Flemish Growth Package). It helps families cover the first costs of welcoming a new child.
Amount
The startbedrag is the same for every child, including twins or multiple births. The amount does not depend on your income, the number of children in your family, or any unemployment, benefit or social assistance payments you may receive.
Families with a low income may later be entitled to a social supplement within the Vlaams Groeipakket. This supplement is separate from the startbedrag.
You cannot receive both the startbedrag for birth and the startbedrag for adoption for the same child.
Startbedrag
1.269,25 euro (eenmalig)
An overview of all amounts: Amounts and payment dates.
Payment
- During pregnancy: you will receive the Startbedrag no earlier than 2 months before the expected due date. Your payment provider can only make the payment after receiving the medical certificate.
- In case of adoption: you will receive the Startbedrag as soon as your child becomes part of your family.
Monthly payments of the basic amount start automatically after the birth or adoption, provided all information is complete and correct. You can find the exact payment dates on the Amounts and payment dates page.
Applying for the startbedrag
You can apply for the startbedrag:
- from the fifth month of pregnancy
- in the case of adoption
- up to 5 years after the birth
In some situations, such as thet loss of a child (in Dutch), you may still be entitled to the startbedrag. In that case, contact your payment provider.
Would you like to know exactly what you need to do? Then view the step-by-step guide on ‘I’m expecting a child’ (in Dutch).