Child Benefit and Growth Package for those working or living abroad: all scenarios.
Live in Belgium and work abroad? Or live abroad and work in Belgium? Recently moved to Belgium and want to apply for Child Benefit or the Growth Package for the first time? KidsLife is happy to provide the necessary support and assistance! We illustrate the various scenarios below and explain exactly what you need to do, to avoid missing out on any of the benefits to which you’re entitled!
Do you want to simulate child benefit, growth package or supplementary allowance? You can! Use our handy simulator and calculate it yourself!
I live in Belgium but work abroad.
You received Child Benefit or the Growth Package in Belgium, but are now commencing work abroad.
Commencing work abroad but receive your Child Benefit in Belgium? Then please notify us immediately!
If you commence working abroad, you may be entitled to Child Benefit abroad. In this case, your entitlement to Child Benefit from Belgium will have to be reassessed. It’s possible that Belgium will only be able to pay the difference between the Belgian and foreign amounts in the form of a supplement.
Example: Wim and Ella live with their 2 children in Antwerp and receive Child Benefit from Belgium. Ella is a housewife. Wim is due to start a new job in the Netherlands on 1 July 2020. He applies for Child Benefit in the Netherlands. Based on Wim’s employment, he’ll be entitled to Dutch Child Benefit in the Netherlands from 1 July 2020. From 1 July 2020, Belgium will only be able to pay the difference between the Belgian and Dutch amounts in the event that the Dutch amounts are lower than the Belgian ones.
KidsLife is in direct contact with the foreign Child Benefit Funds and requests the amounts paid abroad via the E411 document on a six-monthly or annual basis (depending on the country). You’ll therefore no longer receive a payment from KidsLife on a monthly basis, but rather on a six-monthly or annual basis, depending on when we receive the completed E411 document back from the foreign Child Benefit Fund.
You work abroad and are now coming to live in Belgium. You’re submitting a Child Benefit/Growth Package application in Belgium for the first time.
Welcome to Belgium! You probably have a mountain of tasks on your to-do list. KidsLife will help you to obtain all the benefits to which your child is entitled.
Simply submit an application using our handy online tool or complete the application forms. Be sure to have the national register numbers of you and your family members to hand when submitting your application. Don’t have these (yet)? Then please supply us with the names and dates of birth of your family members.
You may have received or still be receiving Child Benefit abroad. Regardless your circumstances, please notify us of the name and address of the competent foreign Child Benefit Fund in question.
- If the foreign Child Benefit Fund has ceased paying your Child Benefit, then we’ll request confirmation to this effect from the Child Benefit Fund in question. Already have such a confirmation in your possession? Then please add it to your application to save time!
- If the foreign Child Benefit Fund is still paying your Child Benefit because you still work abroad, then an investigation will first be initiated to determine which country has primary responsibility for paying your Child Benefit.
Example 1: Wim and Ella are coming to live in Antwerp with their 2 children from 1 July 2020. Wim and Ella both work in the Netherlands and receive Child Benefit from the Netherlands. Wim also applies for Child Benefit in Belgium. Since the Netherlands has primary responsibility for paying the Child Benefit, Belgium will only be able to pay the difference between the Belgian and Dutch amounts from 1 July 2020, in the event that the Dutch amounts are lower than the Belgian ones.
Example 2: Wim and Ella are moving with their 2 children from Paris to Liège on 1 July 2020. Wim starts working in Belgium on that same date, whilst Ella continues to work in France. Since they have a place of residence and employment in Belgium from 1 July 2020, Belgium has primary responsibility for paying their Child Benefit. France will investigate whether they’re able to make a supplementary payment for the difference between the Belgian and French amounts, in the event the Belgian amounts are lower than the French ones.
Please note: If you submit your application to KidsLife Brussels or KidsLife Wallonia, then you must also work in a professional capacity in Belgium in order to receive Child Benefit payments in Belgium.
View all Child Benefit and Growth Package payment amounts here
Regardless of whether you currently live or work abroad: KidsLife automatically ensures that you receive everything to which you’re entitled! Submit your application quickly and easily online, and your personal KidsLife adviser will set to work!
I work in Belgium but live abroad.
If you live abroad but work in Belgium, then your Child Benefit or Growth Package can be paid from Belgium.
Simply submit an application using our handy online tool or complete the application forms. Be sure to have the national register numbers of you and your family members to hand when submitting your application. Don’t have these (yet)? Then please supply us with the names and dates of birth of your family members.
You may have received or still be receiving Child Benefit abroad. Regardless your circumstances, please notify us of the name and address of the competent foreign Child Benefit Fund in question.
- If the foreign Child Benefit Fund has ceased paying your Child Benefit, then we’ll request confirmation to this effect from the Child Benefit Fund in question. Already have such a confirmation in your possession? Then please add it to your application to save time!
- If the foreign Child Benefit Fund is still paying your Child Benefit, then an investigation will first be initiated to determine which country has primary responsibility for paying your Child Benefit. The other country can then pay the difference between their own amounts and those from abroad in the form of a supplement. If you continue to receive payments abroad (because your partner still works there for example), then KidsLife will request the amounts paid via an E411 document on a six-monthly or annual basis (depending on the country). In the event that another country is able to make supplementary payments, KidsLife will issue certificates specifying the amounts paid in Belgium.
Example 1: Naïma starts working in Belgium on 1 July 2020. She lives with her husband Thomas and their son in the Netherlands. Thomas works in the Netherlands. Naïma receives Child Benefit from the Netherlands. She also applies for Child Benefit in Belgium. Since the Netherlands has primary responsibility for paying the Child Benefit, Belgium will only be able to pay the difference between the Belgian and Dutch amounts in the event that the Dutch amounts are lower than the Belgian ones.
Please note: If you live abroad, we’ll send 2 documents upon receipt of your application. The E401 document must be completed by the local authorities in the municipality where you live and serves as confirmation of your family composition. The P12 document assesses your professional activity abroad. You must complete this document yourself. You’ll subsequently be required to complete both of these documents on an annual basis.
View all Child Benefit and Growth Package payment amounts here
My children live abroad
Are you raising your child in a country within the EEA or in Switzerland?
KidsLife will investigate your entitlement to Child Benefit upon receipt of your application. Regardless of your circumstances, you must work in a professional capacity in Belgium, such as in paid employment, or be in receipt of unemployment benefits.
The EEA countries comprise: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic and Sweden.
Is your child (temporarily) residing in a country outside the EEA?
Then you may be entitled to Belgian Child Benefit if one of the following conditions is met:
1. Your child is studying abroad but remains domiciled in Belgium.
Please note: You’re only entitled to Child Benefit based on foreign studies if a secondary education diploma has already been obtained in Belgium.
- secondary studies abroad: entitles you to Child Benefit for a period of 1 year.
- higher education abroad: entitles you to Child Benefit for the study period.
Example: After completing his secondary education in Belgium, Adam plans to pursue higher education studies in Canada. Adam retains his domicile address in Belgium. He’s entitled to Child Benefit for the entire duration of his Canadian studies.
2. Your child is a school leaver but remains domiciled in Belgium.
A 12-month school-leaver period commences upon completion of studies in Belgium. You may still be entitled to Child Benefit during this period under certain conditions. If your child works as a volunteer abroad during this 12-month period or is pursuing a foreign internship that will help in their search for work, then you’re still entitled to Belgian Child Benefit providing you can submit a certificate from the National Employment Office (RVA), Flemish Employment Agency (VDAB) or a volunteer organisation.
3. Your child is temporarily residing abroad but remains domiciled in Belgium.
Providing your child doesn’t reside abroad for more than 2 months, you’ll retain your Child Benefit entitlement.
You’re also entitled to Belgian Child Benefit if your child only resides abroad for the Easter, Summer or Christmas holidays.
Find out everything you need to know about studying abroad
Is your child abroad for medical reasons?
Your child might be residing abroad for medical reasons, such as undergoing a specific treatment, for example. Is this stay for a maximum of three years? And for medical reasons on the part of your child, you (as a parent) or your partner? Then you’ll retain your Growth Package or Child Benefit entitlement.
Please note: you must be able to demonstrate (by means of a medical certificate) that returning to Belgium is not an option.
Your child resides abroad with a seconded parent.
Are you a parent and residing abroad on behalf of your Belgian employer? Then you remain subject to Belgian Social Security and will retain your Child Benefit entitlement for the child travelling with you for a maximum of 1 year. If you have another child during that 1-year period, this child will also be entitled to Child Benefit.
Your child is abducted and taken abroad
You’ll retain your Child Benefit entitlement until the child has reached the age of majority.
Your child is being raised in a country with which Belgium has concluded a treaty.
Belgium has concluded a special treaty with a number of countries, such as Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.
In this case, you’ll receive your Growth Package from Belgium. However, the payment amounts are defined in the treaty and differ from the standard amounts. This entitlement is limited to a maximum of 4 children.

Giving birth abroad
Have you given birth abroad? Then in some cases you can claim the Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance in Belgium.
Already receiving Child Benefit in Belgium for an older child?
Yes, and your family lives in Belgium: You’re entitled to the Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance providing your child is registered in Belgium within 2 months. Please send us a copy of your child’s foreign birth certificate without delay.
Yes, and your family lives abroad:
Please send us a copy of your child’s birth certificate. We’ll also send you a document for the purpose of having your new family composition confirmed by the population department of the municipality in which you live.
You’re entitled to the Starting Amount or Maternity Allowance providing you’re not paid a similar premium in your country of residence.
Is your child born in France or the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg? In this case, the local authorities will pay your Starting Amount, Maternity Allowance or Birth premium in the country concerned.
Are you a seconded employee or civil servant living abroad? In this case, you’re also entitled to the Maternity Allowance/Starting Amount.
Not yet receiving Child Benefit in Belgium?
Then you can apply for your Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount via our handy online tool or the application forms. KidsLife will then investigate whether you satisfy the conditions for entitlement to the Maternity Allowance or Starting Amount.
How do I apply for the Growth Package or Child Benefit? choose the KidsLife Child Benefit Fund
KidsLife is the preferred partner for all new Belgians and foreign families applying for Child Benefit. We provide step-by-step support and assistance with your application. And we remain in direct contact with the foreign Child Benefit Fund, in the event that an exchange of information is required.
Simply submit an application using our handy online tool or complete the application forms. Our KidsLife advisers will investigate your child benefit entitlement over the last 5 years.
Be sure to have the national register numbers of you and your family members to hand when submitting your application. Don’t have these (yet)? Then we’ll request the names and dates of birth of your family members.
If you received Child Benefit abroad, then we’ll also require the name and address of the competent foreign Child Benefit Fund. We’ll request confirmation from this Child Benefit Fund that they’ve ceased making any payments. Already have such a confirmation in your possession? Then please add it to your application to save time!
If you still receive Child Benefit abroad, then we’ll also require the name and address of the competent foreign Child Benefit Fund. We’ll then communicate with this foreign Child Benefit Fund in order to determine which country is responsible for paying your Child Benefit.
Finally, we require the bank account number to which you’d like us to make your Growth Package or Child Benefit payments. Don’t have a bank account (yet)? No problem! We’ll issue a circular cheque instead.
Submitting your application in Flanders?
The Growth Package came into effect in Flanders on 01/01/2019. Prior to 2019, the Growth Package was known as Child Benefit, and was therefore linked to different legislation. Submit an application for the Growth Package and we’ll automatically investigate your entitlement to both types of family allowance over the last 5 years.
Please note: the condition for entitlement prior to 01/01/2019 is professional activity in Belgium. You might therefore be entitled to the Growth Package from 01/01/2019, but not to Child Benefit for the preceding period.
Submitting your application in Brussels or Wallonia?
The condition for entitlement to Child Benefit in Brussels and Wallonia is professional activity in Belgium.
International forms: What are the E411, P12, E401 and E402 forms and how do I complete them?
E401: family composition abroad |
If you live abroad, then we’re unable to view your family composition via the Belgian National Register (database containing the personal details of Belgian residents). We therefore send you the E401 document on an annual basis. This document must be completed by the Population Department of the city or municipality in which you live and is confirmation of your family composition abroad. It serves as proof that you still live at the same foreign address and lists all of the people who reside with you at this address. |
P12: professional situation for families living abroad |
If you live abroad, then we’re unable to view your professional situation via the Belgian databases. We therefore send you the P12 document on an annual basis. You must complete this document yourself. You use the P12 document to specify any changes to your professional situation or family circumstances in the past year. It’s important that we’re kept up to date on your professional activities abroad, as this may affect which country is responsible for paying your Child Benefit. |
E411: overview of Child Benefit paid abroad |
If you receive Child Benefit abroad, Belgium can in some cases make supplementary Belgian Child Benefit payments. In this case, Belgium will pay the difference between the Belgian and foreign amounts. Of course, we can only calculate this difference if we’re aware of the amounts paid abroad. That’s why we send the E411 document to the foreign Child Benefit Fund on a six-monthly or annual basis (depending on the country). The foreign Child Benefit Fund enters the amounts paid in the E411 form and sends the completed document back to KidsLife. We can proceed to payment upon receipt of this document. |
E402: school certificate for students abroad |
If you have adult children who are studying abroad, then an E402 document must be completed by the foreign school. The completed document serves as proof of the studies being pursued and must be completed each new school year. |
Special situations: Poland and France
Poland
Data exchange with Poland
If you live in Poland and work in Belgium or vice versa, you may be entitled to Belgian Child Benefit. KidsLife investigates your entitlement on the basis of data requested using European control documents.
In Poland, the regional Voivodeship is the body responsible for completing these documents. Document E402 - this document serves as proof of studies for young adults and must be stamped by the Voivodeship.
Theoretical amounts
If you’re entitled to Polish Child Benefit in Poland, then Belgium may pay the difference between the Belgian and Polish amounts. Of course, they can only do that if the Belgian amounts are higher than the Polish ones.
If you’re theoretically entitled to Child Benefit in Poland, then Belgium must take this theoretical amount into account, even if you’ve never submitted an application for Child Benefit in Poland. In this case, Belgium will pay the difference between the Belgian amounts and the theoretical Polish amounts.
Family 500+ Allowance
A new Family Allowance was introduced in Poland on 1 April 2016: the Family 500+ Allowance or PLN 500 for raising a child. This allowance is awarded to parents or guardians of children up to the age of 18 based on the family income.
This benefit was made available to all children, regardless of their age and family income, from 01/07/2019.
From 01/07/2019, this Family 500+ Allowance must also be included when calculating the difference between the Belgian and Polish amounts. If you’re theoretically entitled to Child Benefit in Poland, then the Family 500+ Allowance must also be included in the calculation, even if you’ve never submitted an application for Child Benefit in Poland.
France
Conditions in France
Entitlement to Child Benefit in France is based on parenting and income criteria, and comprises a basic Child Benefit and a number of potential supplements.
If there’s only 1 child in your family, then you’re only entitled to Child Benefit until this child reaches 3 years of age (unless it concerns a child with a disability or an orphan, for example). You may subsequently receive annual ARS (Allocation Rentrée Scolaire or study allowance) payments until your child reaches 18 years of age.
If there are several children in your family, then you may be entitled to Child Benefit up until 20 years of age.
Example: Camille and Robert have 1 daughter, Marie. Marie is entitled to Child Benefit until she reaches 3 years of age. At the age of 5, Marie gets a little brother, Thomas. Both children are once again entitled to Child Benefit from Thomas’s birth. Once Marie turns 20, Thomas’s Child Benefit entitlement also ceases, because he’s now the only child in the family younger than 20 but older than 3 years of age.
Data exchange with France
If you live in France and work in Belgium or vice versa, then you may be entitled to Belgian Child Benefit. KidsLife investigates your entitlement on the basis of data requested using European control documents.
In France, the regional CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is the body responsible for completing these documents.
You may still be entitled to Child Benefit and the Growth Package, even if you’re planning to live or work abroad! In this case, you’ll receive your full Child Benefit entitlement or a portion thereof. KidsLife always ensures that you receive the maximum amount to which you’re entitled.