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Good afternoon, I'll try and keep this short. I need some advise regarding my situation. After moving to Belgium approx. 6 years ago i have become disabled due to a failed spinal surgery. I've been determined to be disabled by the Belgian government. I am collecting income from my mutuelle as well as private insurance, but not equal to yearly salary. Please know I am not complaining, I'm grateful for the healthcare system here in Belgium. Since the decrease in funds coming in, I'm finding myself in a situation where bills are not being paid on time and are stacking up. This brings me to my questions. Does anyone know if there are any areas I can receive discounted charges, like electric or phone costs? I've also received a large tax bill from the government which is also cutting into the funds. In no way am I looking for free stuff our handouts, just want to see if anyone out there has been in a similar situation, and might have any suggestions.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I recieve Invalidity benefit here, the huge sum of 801€ a month, I get a discount of 9€ a month off my gas and electricity bills, and do not pay tax, in fact I do not even recieve a form to fill in now. They insist I have a landline, and get free phone calls to landlines, and a small discount on my TV package. I was shocked when I had a knee replacement and discovered I had to pay the excess myself, I am paying it monthly to the bailiffs ! If you recive actual Invalidity Benefit you can go on their website and send them a message asking for more infomation they reply quickly, don't bother phoning no one ever seems to awnser.Good luck.
After reading the first reply I suspect that, like so many things in Belgium, it depends where you live and, possibly in your case, which mutuelle you are with.
My late wife received Invalidity benefit for several years from FSMB whilst living in Flanders. She got nothing off the gas and electricity bills or phone or TV. Her benefit was taxed - though 2 years in arrears - and there was never any question about having to have a landline though we had one anyway.
On the other hand, the amount that had to be paid for her monthly hospital visits was tiny - never more than €20 from a total bill often close to €2,000.
One surprise was that our property tax was reduced by 14% and that was given without any action on our part so, if you are renting, talk to your landlord!
Your local CPAS may be able to provide advice as well
Your mutuelle should be able to tell you what discounts you can get.
Even though I am not an expert in these matters I have helped someone in a similar situation to yours in the past. There are quite a few things, such as obtaining what is called an OMNIO status that should help you out financially. There are also special "social fares" for gas and electricity available for people with a small income. You can find lot's of info and contact addresses via this link: http://www.handicap.fgov.be/nl/sociale-maatregelen/voordelen-bij-andere-... As said by others it does depend where you live. I hope this helps you out a bit. Good luck.
