Out of work - career breaks

If you find yourself out of work for various reasons, several organizations can assist you, and in some cases, you may be eligible for an allowance.

Losing your job

There are specific rules to follow if you leave your job. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you are entitled to unemployment benefit, provided you have worked a minimum number of months. However, you will not be eligible if you lose your job due to gross misconduct or if you resign.

Unemployment

The first step if you find yourself without work is to register as a jobseeker at Actiris. It’s important to register as soon as possible.

• School-leavers must wait out a qualifying period before becoming eligible for unemployment benefit. The length of this period depends on your age and begins when you register as a jobseeker at Actiris.

Career breaks and leave

Various types of leave are built into the Belgian social security system. You may need to take a break for work or family reasons, and in some cases, you may be entitled to time credit or other forms of leave, including a replacement income.

• The paid educational leave (FR/NL) scheme promotes the social advancement of private sector employees, allowing them to take paid leave to attend training courses during or outside working hours or to prepare for Central Examination Board or skills certification exams.