Antwerp welfare office prepares for influx of thousands losing unemployment benefits
Federal minister for Social Integration Anneleen Van Bossuyt visited the Antwerp Public Centre of Social Welfare (PCSW) on Monday. The office says it is well prepared for the influx of people losing their unemployment benefits, following the federal decision to impose a limit on how long benefits will be paid for.
The federal government recently capped unemployment benefits to two years. As a result of the reform, which went into effect on 1 January, thousands of long-term unemployed people will lose their benefits.
Antwerp expects around 7,600 additional requests for assistance at the PCSW, according to the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities. This month, 590 long-term unemployed Antwerp residents are losing their benefits. In March, another 2,000 will lose their benefits, followed by more than 3,000 in April.
To cope with the influx, the Antwerp PCSW has taken proactive measures, including recruiting 34 additional social workers and creating a central contact point for residents who will lose their unemployment benefits.
"The first contact is always by phone or email. After that, people can come by appointment and we explain everything that will be examined during the social and financial investigation," said Antwerp councillor responsible for Social Affairs Nathalie van Baren. "If sufficient willingness to work and need are demonstrated, a contract can be started, with conditions, to receive a living wage."
Nuanced reactions
Not everyone who loses benefits views the situation negatively. One PCSW worker cited the case of a 60-year-old woman who, after a conversation, began to see new opportunities to be active in the labour market.
"That is exactly the intention of the reform," Van Bossuyt said. "We want to help people in a sustainable way, and make it clear that although they are at a difficult time in their lives, nothing is lost yet."
"We want to help people in a sustainable way"
At the same time, Van Bossuyt acknowledged that so far, it is possible that only those who are well informed or have a support network have visited the PCSW. "Antwerp has been very proactive, but there will undoubtedly be people who only realise what is happening when their benefits are no longer paid," she said.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TIJS VANDERSTAPPEN
Related news
