More than 10,000 students in Flanders are currently receiving social assistance, according to annual figures obtained by VRT NWS. The data highlights a steady year-on-year
increase in the number of young people relying on welfare support to continue their education.
In total, 10,064 students in Flanders received benefits last year, marking a 14% rise compared with five years ago. Across Belgium, the figures are even higher, with 18,421 students in Wallonia and 14,246 in Brussels.
Monthly support and strict conditions
Students receiving aid can obtain up to €1,340 per month for a single person. The support is administered by the local public welfare centres known as OCMW (Openbaar Centrum voor Maatschappelijk Welzijn).
These centres operate under strict conditions. Beneficiaries must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and are often required to complete a set number of working hours annually. Each student is assigned a social worker who monitors their situation, and support can be withdrawn if conditions are not met.
The programme is mainly aimed at young people aged 18 to 25 who are still completing secondary education, attending adult learning programmes, or studying in higher education.
Growing reliance on student welfare
Officials and social experts say the increase reflects a broader trend of students turning to welfare systems earlier in their education journey, often due to financial pressure.
“Students are finding it easier to turn to the OCMW. They mainly need financial support rather than psychosocial support,” said Nathalie Debast of the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities. “By providing them with temporary support, we increase their chances of finding a job and they can then take control of their lives again.”
In the city of Ghent alone, 1,203 students receive assistance—the highest number in Flanders. Nearly half of them are working toward completing secondary school diplomas.
What is OCMW?
The OCMW (Public Centre for Social Welfare) is a municipal-level institution in Belgium responsible for providing financial and social support to residents in need. Its services include income support, housing assistance, medical aid, and employment guidance. For students, OCMW support is typically temporary and conditional, designed to help them complete their studies and transition into stable employment.