In Belgium

The moving allowance is a housing-related social aid mechanism managed by each Belgian Region. It aims to financially support low-income households leaving unhealthy, unsuitable or overcrowded housing for compliant accommodation.

Each Region has its own conditions:

  • Brussels: rehousing allowance for households leaving unhealthy housing, rehoused homeless persons or people leaving an institution. Base amount around 800 EUR, with supplements per dependent child.
  • Wallonia: moving and rent allowance (ADEL) for households leaving unhealthy or unsuitable housing. It includes a one-off moving grant and a monthly rent subsidy for 2 years.
  • Flanders: verhuis- en installatiepremie for social tenants or households leaving unhealthy housing. Fixed amount + supplements.

How it works

Conditions. The applicant must meet income criteria (ceilings set by the Region), leave a non-compliant dwelling, and move into housing meeting habitability standards. The application must generally be submitted within 6 months of moving.

Application. The form is available from the regional housing authority (Bruxelles Logement, SPW Logement, Wonen Vlaanderen). Supporting documents include: proof of income, proof of move, unhealthy housing report for the former dwelling (if applicable).

Payment. The moving grant is paid as a lump sum. In Wallonia, the rent subsidy is paid monthly for the specified duration.

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Good to know
The moving allowance is not a universal benefit. It specifically targets vulnerable households leaving unhealthy housing. Tenants who move by personal choice (job transfer, convenience) are generally not eligible.

Practical example

Fatou, a single mother of 2 children, lives in an unhealthy studio in Molenbeek (dampness, no central heating). She finds a compliant 2-bedroom apartment in Anderlecht for 750 EUR/month. She applies for a rehousing allowance from Bruxelles Logement. After verification, she receives a one-off grant of 1,068 EUR (base amount + child supplements) to cover moving and installation costs.

Key considerations

Application deadline. The deadline for applying after the move is strict (generally 6 months). After this deadline, the benefit is lost.

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Warning
The allowance is linked to the new dwelling’s compliance. If an inspection reveals the new housing does not meet regional habitability standards, the allowance may be refused or must be repaid.