Belgium sees over half of long‑term unemployed turn to social assistance

More than half of the 99,166 long‑term unemployed people whose unemployment benefits were terminated in 2026 have applied for a social assistance allowance (leefloon) from local OCMW offices. 52,593 applicants – about 53 % – filed for aid, and 83 % of them were approved, meaning roughly 44 % of all former benefit recipients now receive social assistance.

The uptake varies by region: 42 % in Flanders, 51 % in Brussels and 59 % in Wallonia. Single adults constitute the largest share of new recipients, with over half of applicants being single, while about a third have at least one child. The shift in demand has moved the expected federal savings to municipal budgets, prompting criticism of the policy promoted by Bart De Wever and Finance Minister Jan Jambon. Employment Minister David Clarinval had projected only a third would seek assistance, a figure now proven far too low.