Help for family caregivers in Belgium: rights and resources

In Belgium, hundreds of thousands of people are informal caregivers. Their status has been officially recognised since the 2014 law. But the concrete support remains little known. Here is an overview of the rights and resources available.

Recognised informal carer status

An informal carer can apply for official recognition through their health fund (mutuelle). This recognition opens access to specific rights: themed leave, social protection, and consideration in the pension calculation. To be recognised you must reside in Belgium, provide help of at least 50 hours a month or 600 hours a year, and the person cared for must need substantial care. Recognition is valid for one year and can be renewed.

Leave for informal carers

Recognised carers can take, per person cared for, 3 months of full interruption or 6 months of part-time interruption. A flat-rate interruption allowance is paid by the ONEM (roughly €26–29 per day depending on your situation). Receiving an allowance does not prevent recognition of the status.

The right to respite

The right to respite lets you temporarily entrust your loved one to a day centre, a short stay in a care home, or reinforced home help. Health funds partially cover these services. It’s essential to avoid burnout, which affects a large share of caregivers.

And in France?

The schemes differ across the border: the daily caregiver allowance (AJPA), caregiver leave, PCH compensation. If this concerns you, see our guide to help for family caregivers in France.

Digital tools to make life easier

Beyond official support, practical tools lighten the daily load. For remote treatment tracking, apps like EntreNous let you coordinate the family without stressful daily calls. Managing medication can be largely automated with reminders and alerts that notify you only when there’s a problem.