The Flemish government has decided that students who work up to 650 hours per year under the favourable student status will retain their Growth Package child benefit.
Previously, students were permitted to work up to 475 hours annually under the preferential status. This work limit was linked to the Growth Package, and exceeding it could lead to the suspension of their child benefit. Recently, the federal government raised the work limit for students to 650 hours, causing potential discrepancies. Thus, the Flemish government has now adjusted the Growth Package limit to 650 hours in accordance with the federal changes.
“This adjustment is only logical,” states Welfare Minister Caroline Gennez (Vooruit). “Many students will utilise the additional hours to pay for their accommodation or studies, making student jobs essential. It would be absurd for them to lose their child benefit because of it. Work should be rewarding, even for young people.”
Like the federal measure, this Flemish decision will apply retroactively from 1 January 2025, ensuring no rights are lost.
