Practical Matters, Finance and Administration

Legal recognition and birth registration

When your baby is born, the midwife or the hospital sends a notice to the municipality where you live. It is a mandatory to, officially register the birth of your baby within the next 15 days. . The registration ensures your child is legally recognised and entitles you to maternity allowance. If you are not married, the father needs to ‘recognise’ the baby as his through formal paperwork. contact the municipality.

Maternity and child benefits

You can apply for maternity benefits, before and shortly after delivery. Every pregnant woman with a family income or on benefits has this right. Contact your “mutualiteit” and employer for information.

After birth you get child support via the “Rijksdienst voor Kinderbijslag voor Werknemers” or the fund where your employer is affiliated. Self-employed persons should contact the “Rijksinstituut voor Socialeverzekeringen voor Zelfstandigen”.

Housing and financial support

If you need to find suitable housing, financial support, help in purchasing baby care items, you can contact the OCMW in your municipality. Besides, The CAW (centre for social welfare) can support you. Many organisations provide support when you are struggling to make ends meet. Also see “I need practical assistance or care”

Day Care

If you intend to use day care for your child because you are working, you should better organise this before the delivery. The number of vacancies for children is limited, especially in the city!

Information, services and advice can be found at:

Useful links