Entitlement to unemployment benefit
The local unemployment offices of the Office national de l'emploi (ONEM) (National Employment Agency) will investigate and determine entitlement to unemployment benefit.
The right to unemployment benefit depends on your age and on how long you
have worked within the EEA during the reference period: if you are under 36
years of age, you must prove that you have worked for 312 days in the 18 months
prior to your application. If you are between 36 and 50 years of age, you must
prove that you have worked for 468 days in the 27 months prior to your
application. If you are 50 or more years of age, you must prove that you have
worked for 624 days in the 36 months prior to your application.
Look at other possibilities with the competent body (ONEM/RVA). You can
consider other possibilities in consultation with the ONEM. In particular, there
are other ways of satisfying the requirements – for instance, by a longer
reference period or an extension of the reference period, e.g. for time spent
working on a self-employed basis, or, if you are over 36 years of age, through
an extension of the reference period.
How do I apply for unemployment benefit?
If you are temporarily unemployed, you can apply for benefit to the competent body (the
ONEM) in Belgium. Once your contract expires, you can apply for unemployment benefit only in your country of residence (i.e. where you live permanently).
Upon dismissal or when your employment contract comes to an end, your employer will issue you with a Document
C4. This document will allow you to apply to a payment body of your choice for unemployment benefit.
This can be a:
- payment centre linked to a trade union (FGTB, CSC or CGSLB), or
- the auxiliary unemployment payment fund (Capac)
Length of unemployment
The length of unemployment influences the payment and is divided into three periods:
- Period 1: 60% persons living together, with dependants; 60% single individuals; 55% persons living together
- Period 2: 60%; 44%; 35%
- Period 3: 60%; 44%; lump-sum benefit
Forms E 301 and E 303
If you are in possession of a form E 3003 1-5 when you arrive, you must first register at the local employment office and
at the competent employment centre (Actiris in Brussels, Forem in Wallonia or
VDAB in Flanders).
Text last edited on: 05/2009
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2009
Reproduction is authorised.
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