Abstract

AbstractAccess to social benefits in Belgium is not conditional upon nationality but rather on periods of insurance to the Belgian social security system. Despite the lack of nationality conditions, a number of social benefits are made conditional upon residence of the beneficiary in Belgium. Consequently, even though the Belgian social security system appears, at first sight, as neutral regarding the migration trajectory of its beneficiaries, it might be more difficult for migrants to access, retain and export social security benefits from Belgium when compared to resident nationals. This chapter thus compares the conditions of access to social benefits for nationals and non-nationals residing in Belgium, as well as Belgian citizens residing abroad. It aims to analyse whether migration decisions impact access to and retention of social security benefits. More particularly, the analysis focuses on access to unemployment benefits, healthcare, old-age pensions, family benefits and guaranteed minimum income. Finally, this chapter also questions whether access to social benefits might have a consequence for the residence status of non-nationals in Belgium.

Highlights

  • This chapter aims to examine the conditions and procedures for accessing social benefits in Belgium

  • The relevance of the bilateral social security agreements with the three main countries of origin of non-European Union (EU) foreigners residing in Belgium (Morocco, Turkey, Algeria) and the three main non-EU countries of destination of Belgians abroad (USA, Canada and Australia) are discussed

  • The agreements with USA, Canada and Australia contain a provision stating that residence conditions should not be attached to the grant and payment of the benefits; and that invalidity benefits should be granted under the same conditions by Belgium for American, Canadian and Australian nationals residing in third countries as it would for Belgian nationals, and vice versa by USA, Canada and Australia for Belgian nationals residing in third countries

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Summary

Overview of the Welfare System and Main Migration Features in Belgium

This chapter aims to examine the conditions and procedures for accessing social benefits in Belgium. The relevance of the bilateral social security agreements with the three main countries of origin of non-EU foreigners residing in Belgium (Morocco, Turkey, Algeria) and the three main non-EU countries of destination of Belgians abroad (USA, Canada and Australia) are discussed. The chapter identifies potential differences between nationals and non-nationals in accessing Belgian social benefits. It critically discusses the potential impact that the decision to migrate might have for acquiring or retaining social benefits in and from Belgium. Before answering those questions, a short overview of the main characteristics of the Belgian social security system and the migration history are provided

Main Characteristics of the National Social Security System
Migration History and Key Policy Developments
Migration and Social Protection in Belgium
Unemployment
Health Care
Pensions
Family Benefits
Guaranteed Minimum Resources
Findings
Conclusions
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