What changes are expected?

The government has decided that:

  • entitlement to unemployment benefits will now be limited to a maximum of 24 months. This entitlement will comprise 12 months as standard, plus up to 12 additional months depending on professional experience. In return, the amounts will be higher at the start of the unemployment period. This is a major change in the system in Belgium, where benefits were previously available for an unlimited duration;
  • entitlement to integration benefits will now be limited to a maximum of one year;
  • conditions of access to unemployment and integration benefits will be radically revised from 1 March 2026.

How do you know whether or not you're affected?

You will receive a letter from the ONEM. Letters will be sent out progressively, starting in mid-September.

When will the reform be implemented?

Entitlement to benefits for the long-term unemployed will be gradually phased out in successive waves.

Measures

  • Were you unemployed on 30 June 2025? Transitional measures began on 1 July 2025.
  • The new regulations will come into force on 1 March 2026.

The different waves: When do you risk losing your right to benefits?

Wave 1: end of entitlement on 1 January 2026

  • Unemployed people receiving integration benefits who received their first allowance no later than 1 January 2025.
  • Unemployed people receiving benefits in the 3rd benefit period (lump sum amount) who have accumulated at least 20 years of full unemployment in their career.

Wave 2: end of entitlement on 1 March 2026

Unemployed people receiving benefits in the 3rd benefit period (lump sum allowance) who accumulate between 8 and 20 years of full unemployment in their career.

Wave 3: end of entitlement on 1 April 2026

All other unemployed people receiving benefits in the 3rd benefit period (lump sum allowance) who accumulate less than 8 years of full unemployment.

Wave 4: end of entitlement on 1 July 2026

Unemployed people receiving benefits in the 2nd benefit period (July 2026).

Wave 5: end of entitlement between 1 July 2026 and 1 June 2027

Unemployed people with less than 5 years' professional history who receive benefits in the 1st benefit period, based on their actual professional history (from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027).

Wave 6: end of entitlement on 1 July 2027

Unemployed people with a professional history of 5 years or more and receiving benefits in the 1st benefit period (July 2027).

Exceptions

You are not affected by this time limit on benefits if:

  • you are receiving safeguarding benefits;
  • you are receiving benefits for work in the arts or are covered by the safety net;
  • you are a recognised port worker, a recognised sea fisherman, a recognised unloader or a recognised fish sorter/sorter;
  • you are receiving a business supplement (RCC);
  • you are over 55 and have more than 30 years' professional history;
  • you are disabled and have been working continuously since 1 July 2024 in a sheltered workplace, with continued entitlement to benefits.

You can also temporarily retain your entitlement if:

  • you are exempt from registering as a jobseeker because you are undergoing training in preparation for professions facing a labour shortage that began before 1 January 2026;
  • you are working part-time and, at the end of your entitlement to benefits, you are receiving an income guarantee allowance (AGR) with a working schedule of at least half-time.

More information?

To find out more about the reform of integration benefits, see ONEM's T27 info sheet.

To find out more about the reform of unemployment benefits, see ONEM's T33 info sheet.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get a complete overview of my periods of work and unemployment?

You can find all the details of your periods of work and inactivity on mycareer.be.

How does it work? Watch this explanatory video.

What should I do if I want to return to work or take a training course?

Contact your regional employment service:

  • For Flanders: VDAB
  • For Wallonia: Forem
  • For the Brussels-Capital Region: Actiris
  • For the German-speaking part of the country: ADG

Who can I contact if I need social assistance?

Contact the CPAS/OCMW in the municipality where you live. You can also submit an initial application for assistance via CPAS/OCMW Online.

The CPAS/OCMW will assess your situation to determine whether you are entitled to assistance such as integration income. To do this, the CPAS/OCMW will carry out a social survey and examine your household income. All subsequent assistance will be accompanied by an activation pathway.

What about my health insurance or child benefits?

  • Have questions about your health insurance? Contact your mutual insurance company.
  • Questions about your child benefits? In this case, contact your child benefit fund.