People receiving social assistance must be willing to work: “We have been too lenient for too long”

“Anyone receiving social assistance who is able to work must accept a job when one is offered.” This is what Minister for Social Integration Anneleen Van Bossuyt emphasises in a new circular to Belgium’s Public Centres for Social Welfare (OCMWs/CPAS) on willingness to work. She sets out specific criteria that these centres can take into account when assessing whether someone is sufficiently willing to work. Those who are not may have their benefits withdrawn or denied.

“Our social protection system is there for those who need it. But rights also come with responsibilities. We cannot accept people hiding behind excuses to avoid working. In the past, there were too many mitigating measures that made willingness to work a secondary concern rather than a priority. Social assistance should be a temporary stop, not a final destination: helping people regain their independence through work must be the primary goal,” says the minister.

Regardless of culture or religion

“Cultural or religious reasons are no exception either,” Van Bossuyt emphasises. Examples include the belief that women should not work, objections to serving people of the opposite sex or refusing to carry out certain tasks. “Those who refuse to work for these reasons cannot expect society to bear the consequences of their choice.”

These are not the only criteria. Anyone who refuses available childcare, a feasible adjusted work schedule, training or guidance without a valid reason may also be considered insufficiently willing to work. Learning the language is another important criterion: recipients must clearly demonstrate that they are taking steps to improve their language skills, for example by attending language classes.

In short, Public Centres for Social Welfare now have additional tools to refuse or withdraw social assistance based on these criteria.

What work is still possible?

Health problems do not automatically mean that someone is completely unable to work. Public Centres for Social Welfare therefore look not only at a person's limitations, but also at what they are still able to do, such as part-time or adapted work. This approach is already being applied in cities including Kortrijk and Antwerp.

“We must not give up on people by focusing only on what they cannot do. Part-time or adapted work can also be an important step towards greater independence,” says the minister.

Studying is not an exemption

Students receiving social assistance must also remain willing to work. Studying can be a valid reason not to work full-time, but students may still be expected to be available for work during weekends and holidays.

“Education can be the very path to independence and a good job. That is something we want to support. But those who can earn extra income during weekends or holidays must also take on that responsibility.”

Each case is assessed individually by the Public Centre for Social Welfare, which retains the final decision-making authority.