Many people who have received benefits wonder whether they are allowed to take on a secondary occupation alongside their benefits. In Belgium, this is possible in some cases, but strict conditions apply. In this article, we clearly explain what is and isn’t allowed, and what you need to bear in mind.
Benefits and secondary occupations: how does it work?
A secondary occupation means that you work on a self-employed basis, but that this is not your main activity. You often combine it with a job as an employee, but even those receiving benefits can sometimes start a secondary occupation. It all depends on the type of benefit you have received.
1️⃣ Unemployment benefits and a secondary occupation
Can you start a secondary occupation whilst on unemployment benefit?
Yes, but only under very strict conditions. You must always notify the RVA of your secondary occupation in advance. They will decide whether you may continue or start your activity.
Are you receiving unemployment benefit and considering starting as a self-employed person in secondary occupation? Then you can make use of the ‘springboard to self-employment’. This allows you to temporarily retain your benefit whilst you set up your own business.
What does the “springboard to self-employment” entail?
Under this scheme, you can retain your unemployment benefit for up to 12 months whilst simultaneously starting your own secondary occupation. This allows you to test your business idea whilst your safety net remains intact.
Anyone carrying out self-employed activities without permission may experience a loss of their unemployment benefit.
Tip from an accountant
Be aware that the income threshold is not high; once your profit exceeds €17.72, part of your benefit must be paid back.
2️⃣ Sickness benefit and secondary occupation
There are restrictions here too. The health insurance fund (mutualité) must always give prior permission. They assess whether your activity is compatible with your state of health and whether you still have sufficient time to recover.
👉 Often, only part-time and light activities are permitted.
👀 Attention! Your income from those permitted activities cannot be combined with your sickness or disability benefit without limit. Your benefit may therefore be reduced.
3️⃣ Disability benefits and secondary occupation
After a long period of illness, you may become disabled. If you wish to earn extra income as a self-employed person whilst receiving disability benefits, strict checks apply. The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV) and your health insurance fund will assess whether you are fit for work for the type of work you wish to do.
- Sometimes, a self-employed activity may be approved as a therapeutic activity.
- Without permission, you risk having to refund your benefit.
4️⃣ Pensions and secondary occupations
Those who have received a pension are often permitted to take up a secondary occupation. However, income limits also apply here, depending on your age and the type of pension you receive.
- From the age of 65 and with at least 45 years of service, you may earn additional income without restriction.
- In other cases, you must take into account a maximum permitted annual income.
5️⃣ On social assistance (PCSW1) and secondary occupation
Combining a secondary occupation with social assistance is exceptional. The PCSW views each case individually and takes your income into account. Often, your social assistance will be reduced or even stopped as soon as your self-employed activity generates an income.
Practical tips if you want to combine benefits with a secondary occupation
Combining benefits with a secondary occupation is possible in Belgium, but it is never a given. You must always seek permission and take income limits and conditions into account. If you start without taking the correct steps, you risk losing your benefits.
- Always question the RVA, your health insurance fund or the PCSW for permission in advance.
- Keep your accounts up to date: all your income will be checked.
- Seek advice from a social secretariat, an accountant or your health insurance fund.
1: PCSW: Public Centre for Social Welfare
