New rules in Belgium may reduce benefits for migrants living together
Belgium is tightening the definition of 'cohabitant' regarding social benefits, meaning that the combined income of all adults at the same address will be counted together when determining eligibility for support, starting from March 1, 2026.
A royal decree published on January 18 states that public social welfare centers (CPAS) must take into account the combined income of all adults at the address when assessing eligibility for the minimum income allowance.
Although this change is presented as a reform of social security, it may directly affect foreign citizens with low or irregular income, such as students, job seekers, or workers waiting for residence permits, who often share housing to reduce costs. If one of the housemates raises their income above the allowed limit, all residents may lose their right to minimum support.
Immigration lawyers say that losing minimum support could jeopardize the renewal of residence permits, which require proof of sufficient financial means. Employers hiring foreign novice employees on Belgian contracts are warned to ensure that newcomers still meet the subsistence requirements when the decree is applied.
Critics argue that this reform unfairly punishes common shared living arrangements among newcomers and may encourage illegal renting. The government defends it as a step to prevent the misuse of benefits and aligns with the strict income standards adopted last year for family reunification.
Recruitment and human resources specialists are advised to review the contracts of foreign employees under the new regulations, increase the housing allowance if necessary, and assist students or trainees in organizing sublease agreements to ensure accurate reporting of rents and actual income.