Due to the reform of unemployment regulations by the federal government, nearly 8,000 residents of the City of Brussels will gradually lose their entitlement to unemployment benefits between 1 January and mid-2027. The City is preparing for this major social challenge.
In preparation, the City and its Public Welfare Centre (CPAS-OCMW) are jointly conducting an information campaign on the available solutions and support for those affected in finding work or training.
Information sessions are being held in the Community Centres and other social centres.
End of unemployment benefits?
Do you live in the City of Brussels and have you just received a letter from the ONEM-RVA informing you that you will no longer receive unemployment benefits in 2026? What should you do and who should you contact?
A web page of the CPAS-OCMW gives more information:
External siteLosing your unemployment benefits? There are solutions (in French and Dutch)
What support for job seekers?
Through its various structures, the City has set up several initiatives to support job seekers:
- A coordinated guidance circuit that refers beneficiaries to the appropriate organisations:
- Job matching and training sessions held in the most affected neighbourhoods to bring employers and job seekers into contact with each other.
- More training modules focused on shortage occupations.
What measures is the CPAS taking?
The CPAS-OCMW takes various measures to meet future demand:
- Recruitment of new social workers and large-scale training by experienced staff.
- Opening of 3 new social offices: in Les Églantines - De Wilde Rozen (Laeken), the Community Centres Bruyn (Neder-Over-Heembeek) and Haren.
- Expansion of management tools and workflows to implement new financing and follow-up rules.
- The formation of a monthly steering group and an operational monitoring committee.
Which aid if you lose your benefits?
Anyone who loses their unemployment benefits can contact the CPAS-OCMW for a social assessment. Based on this assessment, you may be eligible for:
- a living wage
- additional support, depending on criteria and budget
- an Individualised Project for Social Integration
- support in finding work or training
The CPAS-OCMW will primarily help these individuals with:
- integration jobs (target of 1,500 by 2030)
- qualifying training, literacy, language lessons, central jury, skills validation
More info?
- External siteLosing your unemployment benefits? There are solutions (CPAS-OCMW, in French and Dutch)
- External siteCPAS-OCMW of Brussels
- External siteSocial offices of the CPAS
- External siteCPAS - Exclusion from unemployment benefits - Practical guide to the steps to follow (Brulocalis, in French and Dutch)
