Nearly 30 percent fewer people receiving unemployment benefits in April
A total of 197,062 people received unemployment benefits in Belgium in April, 82,909 fewer than a year earlier. That represents a decrease of 29.6 per cent, according to figures released by the National Employment Office (RVA) on Friday.
The sharp decline is largely linked to the federal government's unemployment reform, which limits entitlement to unemployment benefits to a maximum of two years. The first long-term unemployed began losing their benefits in January.
According to the RVA, 96,957 people will reach the end of their entitlement by the end of 2026. This includes 10,369 young people receiving integration benefits and 86,588 recipients of standard unemployment benefits.
The decrease was most pronounced among older age groups. The number of beneficiaries fell by 9.5 per cent among those under 25, by 28.8 per cent among those aged 25 to 49, and by 41 per cent among those aged 50 to 59. Among people aged 60 and over, the decline was 27.3 per cent.
The RVA noted an increase in the number of beneficiaries aged 65 and over, linked to the gradual rise in the retirement age. Unemployed people in this age group now remain entitled to benefits until the month they turn 66, rather than 65.
The agency also paid 247,439 benefits for time credit, career breaks and thematic leave schemes, mainly parental leave, in April. That figure was down 0.5 per cent compared with April 2025. Around two-thirds of these benefits related to end-of-career arrangements.
Unemployment office, Actiris, in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE
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