Persons with a handicap

In Belgium, there are a number of legal provisions that define a handicap.

As a result, a handicapped person may benefit from different types of assistance on condition that he or she meets a number of specific criteria, usually assessed by a medical examination.

In addition to these allowances paid by social security, other measures in favour of handicapped persons have been implemented in other areas, such as:

  • employment
  • training
  • mobility

To find out more, see the handicapped person’s guide in French or Dutch.

Income replacement allowance

An income replacement allowance (IRA) may be granted to a handicapped person if that person’s handicap restricts his or her ability to work and therefore his or her ability to earn an income by working. However, this assistance is linked to a number of conditions, such as:

  • nationality
  • age
  • place of residence
  • income (of the handicapped person, as well as of another handicapped person with whom the handicapped person forms a household)

To assess the level of inability associated with their handicap, persons wishing to benefit from this allowance must first undergo a medical assessment.
Finally, the amount of the allowance is set according to the family situation of the handicapped person: living alone, in a household, cohabiting, dependent children, in an institution, etc.

For more information about income replacement allowances in French or Dutch.

Integration allowance

Improving the day-to-day life of a handicapped person often involves making costly arrangements: providing a motorised wheelchair, ergonomically design kitchen utensils, special bathroom equipment, etc. are just a few examples of this.

To help pay for these additional costs, you may be granted an integration allowance on certain conditions relating to:

  • nationality
  • age
  • place of residence
  • income (of the handicapped person, as well as of another handicapped person with whom the handicapped person forms a household) an assessment of your level of independence

Your level of independence is generally determined by a medical assessment: this is the basis on which the amount the handicapped person may claim is calculated.

More information about integration allowances for handicapped persons in French or Dutch.