The return to work supplement in Belgium in 2025

The return to work supplement is a measure which encourages the unemployed to return to paid employment. In 2025, this assistance remains an important option for people in professional transition. So, Mes Aides Financières tells you you need to know to benefit from this assistance and optimize your procedures.

The return to work supplement

First, the return to work supplement is financial support granted to unemployed people who return to paid employment. This aid is intended to compensate for the loss of certain social benefits, often linked to unemployment compensation.

• Amount : This supplement may vary depending on the gross salary received and the type of employment found.
• Duration : The allocation has no time limit, as long as the eligibility conditions are met.
• Objective : Encourage the return to work while guaranteeing financial stability to avoid the discouragements linked to a return to low-paid employment.

Who can benefit from the recovery supplement?

Then, certain conditions must be met to access the return to work supplement. Here are the main eligibility criteria:

• Being fully unemployed and receiving compensation before resuming employment;
• Return to paid employment full or part time. Self-employed people are not eligible;
• Do not exceed a certain gross income ceiling. In 2025, this ceiling is set at €2,500 gross per month;
• Residing in Belgium and have legal status as a worker;
• Not having refused reasonable offers of employment in the months preceding the request.

Calculation of the amount of the return to work supplement

So, the calculation of the recovery supplement takes into account several factors. The amount is adapted to ensure that resuming employment remains financially advantageous. Thus, the objective is to ensure that the difference between unemployment compensation and the net income received while working does not dissuade people from returning to work.

• Calculation bases : The amount of aid depends on the gross salary of the job taken over. Ceilings are applied;
• Scales : A degression is applied. The higher the salary, the more the supplement gradually decreases;
• Calculation examples : For a job at €1,800 gross per month, the supplement can reach up to €300 per month. For a job worth €2,500, the supplement may be zero or very low;
• Family situation : Family responsibilities can also influence the amount granted.

Steps to obtain the return to work supplement

Furthermore, it is essential to follow the administrative steps to receive this assistance. Here are the main steps:

1. Inform your payment organization : Declare the resumption of employment as soon as it is effective. This can be done online or in person;
2. Provide the required documents : Employment contract, salary slip and completed form provided by the paying agency;
3. Meet deadlines : Send the documents within one month of the start of employment to avoid any delay or refusal of your application;
4. Check your file : Follow the status of your request via the online portal of the organization concerned. Ensure that all documents are complete and compliant;
5. Update your situation regularly : Provide your monthly pay slips to maintain your rights to the supplement.

Here you will find all the necessary documents and information from ONEM.

The advantages

This measure has several advantages. Indeed, beneficiaries and employers can benefit from it.

Benefits for employers

In addition, the recovery supplement does not only benefit employees. Employers can also benefit indirectly. Indeed :

• Reduction of charges : Recruiting workers benefiting from this aid may be accompanied by tax reductions or specific aid;
• Motivation accrue : Employees with additional financial support are often more motivated in the long term;
• Facilitating recruitment : This type of measure encourages candidates to accept offers in sectors in tension.

Benefits for beneficiaries

So, the recovery supplement has positive impacts on the lives of workers. Here are some concrete examples:

• Financial stability : Formerly unemployed people can regain some peace of mind knowing that their standard of living will be preserved;
• Encouragement at work : This measure reduces the financial gap between unemployment compensation and salary for low-paid jobs;
• Reduction of inequalities : Part-time workers, often women or young people, are better financially protected.

Frequently asked questions

Finally, several questions often arise regarding the return to work supplement. Here are some key answers:

• Can this aid be combined with other benefits? Yes, under certain conditions. For example, it can be combined with a professional transition bonus or regional aid;
• What happens if you lose your job? You can re-enter the unemployment system if you meet the access criteria. The add-in stops automatically;
• Is the aid taxable? No, the supplement is tax-exempt and does not have to be declared in your tax form;
• Is this valid for temporary jobs? Yes, as long as income and contract conditions are met.

Things to watch out for

However, it is crucial to remain vigilant on certain aspects:

• Check your rights regularly : Certain legislative changes may impact your aid;
• Respect the conditions : A salary increase or a change of contract may result in a reduction or elimination of assistance;
• Inform promptly of any changes : In the event of a new professional situation, inform your organization to avoid reimbursements.

With this information, the return to work supplement is positioned as a major lever to facilitate the return to employment in Belgium. So, respect the administrative procedures and follow your rights to be able to benefit from them correctly.