Replacement Income
If you are unable to work due to illness, accident, or parenthood, you receive a compensation through the health insurance fund in Belgium. In this case, Helan Health Insurance provides the replacement income.
On this page
Disability and Invalidity
In case of disability due to illness or an accident, your health insurance only pays replacement income if you have contributed to the Belgian social security system during the past 12 months.
- This 12-month qualification period may be waived or shortened if you have already paid contributions in another European country and can provide form S041.
- Important: If you have paid contributions in another European country, your health insurance fund will contact that country to verify whether you are entitled to compensation for disability.
If you are disabled for longer than one year, you fall under the status of invalidity. In this case, the health insurance fund will pay you an invalidity allowance.
Benefits Related to Parenthood
Maternity Allowance
To be entitled to a maternity allowance, there is usually a waiting period of 6 months. This waiting period can be shortened if you were previously socially insured in another European country. You can prove this with form S041.
How long is maternity leave?
- Employees are entitled to 15 weeks of maternity leave.
- Self-employed individuals can take up to 12 weeks of maternity leave, partly mandatory and partly flexible.
The duration can be extended in case of a multiple birth or if the baby needs to stay in the hospital longer after birth.
The calculation of the maternity allowance differs depending on your situation:
- Employees receive an allowance as a percentage of their salary.
- Self-employed individuals receive a lump sum amount.
- Jobseekers receive an allowance based on their unemployment status.
Parental Leave
In addition, the father or co-parent is also entitled to 20 days of parental leave, which must be taken within 4 months after the birth. Parental leave is commonly referred to as paternity leave.
The compensation is provided in two steps:
- The first days are paid by the employer (guaranteed salary).
- The remaining days are paid via the health insurance fund as an allowance.
The allowance is a percentage of the salary (with a statutory ceiling).
Self-employed individuals receive an allowance from the health insurance fund:
- A lump-sum allowance per day taken.
- A limited number of days (usually 20) within a certain period after the birth.
Adoption or Foster Care Leave
If you adopt a child or take a child into long-term foster care, you are entitled to 6 weeks of adoption leave or foster care leave. During this leave, you will receive an allowance via your health insurance fund.
The calculation of the allowance for adoption and foster care is the same as for maternity leave.
All Parental Leave Arrangements
Maternity leave is by far the most well-known leave during pregnancy. But fathers, co-parents, adoptive parents, and foster parents are also entitled to leave.
Paying Contributions to Another Social Security System?
Then contact Helan. Also, don't forget to complete the administrative formalities to register your dependent children with us.