Figures obtained by VRT News show that more than 10,000 students in Flanders receive social assistance benefit (leefloon) from their local public welfare office (OCMW). The figures show that the number of students on social assistance benefits has been rising year on year.
A single person on social assistance benefit receives 1,340 euro per month. The benefit is managed and paid out by local the public welfare offices (OCMW). Strict conditions on recipients’ academic progress are imposed and students in receipt of the benefit payments are also obliged to work a certain number of hours each year.
Those aged between 18-25 that are in full time education and are not dependent on a parent, parents or guardian can claim the benefit provided that they meet the entitlement conditions. A social worker from the OCMW monitors each student and the benefit can be withdrawn if the conditions are not met.
More than 42,000 nationwide
Figures from the Federal Public Planning Service for Social Integration show that in 2025 10,064 students were in receipt of assistance in Flanders, this is 14% more than in 2020. In Wallonia, there were 18,421 recipients, while in Brussels 14,246 were in receipt of social assistance benefit.
Nathalie Debast of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities told VRT News that “We are seeing that students are finding it easier to turn to the OCMW. They mainly need financial support rather than psychosocial support. By providing them with temporary support, we increase their chances of finding a job and they can then take control of their lives again.”
In Flanders, the East Flemish city of Ghent has the highest number of students in receipt of social assistance benefit (1,203). 44% of these are studying for a secondary school certificate.