Wezentoeslag (orphan’s allowance)

A child who loses one or both parents is entitled to a wezentoeslag. This is an additional amount within the Vlaams Groeipakket (Flemish Growth Package). The wezentoeslag is paid automatically, usually from the month in which the parent dies. In some situations, a different start date may apply. You do not need to apply.

In brief

You receive the wezentoeslag automatically.
Children who became orphaned or lost one parent from 2019 onwards receive the allowance without conditions.
For children who lost one or both parents before 2019, different rules apply under the old increased orphan’s allowance scheme.
The wezentoeslag can be combined with other allowances, such as the sociale toeslag (social allowance).

Who is it for?

The wezentoeslag is available for any legal, recognised or adopted child whose one or both parents have died or are missing.

When is a child an orphan or a child who has lost one parent?

Child who has lost one parent (halfwees)

one parent has died
or one parent is considered , as determined by the justice of the peace.

Orphan (wees)

both parents have died or the child’s only parent has died
or both parents are presumed absent
or one parent has died and the other parent is presumed absent

Adopted children

In the case of a simple adoption, entitlement to the wezentoeslag continues if either a biological parent or an adoptive parent dies.

In the case of a full adoption, there is only an entitlement if an adoptive parent dies.

Amount

The child receives the wezentoeslag on top of the basisbedrag.

The amount depends on the situation:

child who has lost one parent: 80% of the basisbedrag
orphan: 100% of the basisbedrag

Children who became orphaned or lost one parent from 2019 onwards
child who has lost one parent: 147.71 euros per month
orphan: 184.61 euros per month
Children who became orphaned or lost one parent before 1 January 2019 and who were entitled to Belgian child benefit on 31 December 2018 fall under the old scheme.
At that time, the amount depended on the family situation, for example whether the surviving parent lived alone or with someone else. This meant that some children received a higher amount than others.
Children who received the ordinary orphan’s allowance at that time are now covered by the Vlaams Groeipakket. They receive the basisbedrag and, where applicable, additional allowances such as the wezentoeslag.
Children who received the increased orphan’s allowance at that time continue to receive it today if they still meet the conditions (see When entitlement ends). The increased orphan’s allowance replaces the basisbedrag.
Increased orphan’s allowance
408.19 euros per month
An overview of all amounts: Amounts and payment dates.

When entitlement ends

The wezentoeslag ends as soon as entitlement to the Vlaams Groeipakket ends. It does not matter whether the surviving parent starts living with someone or forms a new de facto household.

Entitlement also ends in certain situations, for example:

if a parent who was considered absent returns
in the case of a full adoption

Additional rules may apply to children covered by the old scheme.

Children who became orphaned or lost one parent before 2019

Do you need to apply?

You do not need to apply. Your payment provider is automatically notified of the death through the National Register.

Please note

You must provide documents to your payment provider yourself in the following situations:

if a parent is presumed absent: the judgment of the justice of the peace
if a parent dies abroad: the death certificate. The death must also be registered in the National Register. If this has not yet happened, it must be arranged through the municipality.

It is advisable to notify your payment provider (in Dutch) of a parent’s death as soon as possible. This allows payment to start more quickly.

More information: Other arrangements following a death

Payment

The wezentoeslag is paid together with the basisbedrag, around the 8^th of the month.

Wezentoeslag and other allowances

The wezentoeslag is paid on top of the basisbedrag. Depending on your family circumstances, income or your child’s situation, you may also be entitled to additional allowances, such as the sociale toeslag.

View all allowances