We are in the middle of a corona baby boom: after 10 years of declining birth rates, 2021 promises to be a busy year for the maternity wards up and down the country. Is your family joining in too? Then this checklist will help you to keep the administrative side of your growing family to a minimum.
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Pregnancy and babyhood are both fantastic and exhausting. You thoroughly enjoy those little kicks in your belly, the first laughs and the tender moments with older brothers and sisters. At the same time, fatigue sometimes hits you, or your emotions are all over the place.
During these intense family times, the following checklist will come in handy and will quickly get all the administrative and financial matters in order.
Who should be notified of the birth or adoption?
- The Government
Within 15 days after birth, you must register your child at the registry office of the municipality where it was born. There you will also receive other necessary documents e.g. how to apply for child benefit (Groeipakket).
If you and your partner are unmarried, we recommend that you arrange the acknowledgement of the baby before it is born. One worry less after the birth!
- Your health insurance fund
As soon as your child is on the way, it is best to inform your health insurance fund immediately. Then from birth, the baby will be covered by Belgium’s compulsory health insurance fund. You can also contact your health insurance fund with all kinds of questions - about the administrative aspects of family expansion as well as your pregnancy itself.
- Your employer
In addition to the fact that you want to give your colleagues clarity about your upcoming absence, you are obliged to inform your employer at least 7 weeks before the expected due date. We advise to do this earlier, because as soon as your employer is informed, you will enjoy extra protection as a pregnant woman.
It is also wise for both you and your employer to make clear agreements in good time about maternity leave, birth leave, adoption leave and possibly parental leave.
- Your KBC Insurance agent
We like to share in the joy when your family expands! Let us know as soon as your child is born. We will immediately add the child to your current insurance policies. Just think of your hospital insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, travel insurance ...
Don’t you have family insurance yet? A new family addition is the ideal opportunity to take one out.
Which financial support are you entitled to?
- Child benefit or Groeipakket
The government supports families with monthly financial support at birth you will also receive a Starting amount, also known as maternity allowance or childbirth allowance
- Paid leave
Maternity benefits for the new mother, birth leave benefits for the other parent, adoption leave when you adopt a child, parental leave enabling to spend more time with your family...
You are entitled to all kinds of paid leave with corresponding benefits. Some are paid by the health insurance fund, others by the RVA/ONEM or your employer. The HR manager at work and a health insurance fund consultant will know the way to apply for everything!
Are you self-employed? Definitely get in touch with your social insurance fund.
- Financial support from the health insurance fund
Check with your health insurance fund whether you are entitled to an extra birth or adoption allowance, breastfeeding allowance, intervention in the costs of postnatal care, discounts or gifts ...
- Hospital insurance payments
Your hospitalisation insurance or hospitalisation plan intervenes to some extent in the costs of childbirth. We are happy to find out for you exactly what your insurance policy covers and what it doesn’t. For example, a single room can be expensive if it is not included in your policy. So remember to check in advance.
Would you like to take out extra insurance or adjust an insurance policy? Drop by for free advice and we will find the best options for your family!
