Severance pay in Belgium in 2025: everything you need to know

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In 2025, the rules relating to severance compensation in Belgium are clear and precise. Thus, these compensations aim to compensate for the loss of income caused by dismissal. Indeed, losing your job can be the source of complicated situations, and it is important to know what you are entitled to. So, My Financial Aid explains everything you need to know.

Who can benefit from redundancy compensation?

Then, severance pay concerns all workers under employment contracts. Here are the main conditions:

• Have a CONTRACT for a fixed or indefinite period;
• Being fired by the employer without serious fault ;
• Have worked for the company for a minimum period of time (generally 6 months).

Additionally, part-time workers are also entitled to compensation proportional to their working hours.

Calculation of your severance pay

So, severance pay is calculated based on several factors. Here are the key elements:

• Seniority : The greater the seniority, the higher the amount of compensation;
• Gross salary : Compensation is often based on gross monthly salary;
• Status : Managers can receive higher amounts than non-managerial employees.

For example, an employee with 5 years of seniority and a gross salary of 3,000 euros will receive compensation calculated on several months of salary. In 2025, the average amount of compensation will be between €2,000 and €15,000.

Workers’ rights

However, it is important to know your rights in the event of dismissal. Here’s what you need to know:

• Right to notice : The employer must inform the worker of the dismissal with a notice period. This period varies according to seniority (length of notice of 1 to 3 months on average);
• Payment of compensation : If the notice period is not respected, the employer must pay compensatory compensation;
• Right to protest : You can challenge unfair dismissal before the employment tribunal.

Thus, workers have means to protect themselves in the event of unfair contract termination.

Steps to receive compensation after dismissal

So, how do you claim your compensation in the event of dismissal? Here are the main steps:

1. Check your contract : Consult your contract to understand your rights in the event of dismissal;
2. Drequest written notification : The employer must provide written justification for the dismissal;
3. Calculate your compensation : Use an online simulator or ask a union for advice;
4. Submit a complaint : If the compensation is not paid, you can send a formal notice to the employer.

In addition, you can seek help from a lawyer or a union organization to assist you in your efforts.

Furthermore, if you wish to receive unemployment benefits following your dismissal, you will need to complete this form.

The exceptions

In addition, certain sectors have collective agreements which provide specific conditions for severance pay.

Employers and their obligations

Furthermore, employers must respect certain obligations during dismissal. They must:

• Provide a clear pattern : The dismissal must be justified by a valid reason.
• Pay compensation quickly : Payments must be made within a reasonable time.
• Respect the right to notice : Failure to comply with the notice period results in financial penalties.

Therefore, employers who do not respect these obligations are exposed to legal action.

The key figures for severance pay in 2025

In Belgium, the total amount of compensation paid to laid-off workers could reach 500 million euros in 2025. More than 30,000 workers received compensation during the year, with an average amount of 7,500 euros per person.

Then, around 85% of workers obtain their compensation without legal recourse, while 15% have to go through the labor court to assert their rights.