Belgian Mutualities Under Fire Over Long-Term Sick Leave Assessments

The debate surrounding long-term sick leave in Belgium has escalated into a full-blown trial of the country's mutual insurance organizations. These bodies, responsible for managing claims and facilitating the return to work for the long-term ill, are facing intense criticism following revelations from recent audits.

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The criticism of the assessments carried out by the mutualities is founded.

Audits conducted by the Inami (National Institute for Sickness and Disability Insurance) have indicated that a substantial portion of individuals receiving long-term disability benefits may, in fact, be capable of working. Reports from 2025 and a previously unpublished 2020 audit suggest that a significant percentage of beneficiaries were improperly receiving payments, raising serious questions about the mutualities' assessment processes.

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The mutualities are going to have to reinvent themselves entirely. If they don't do it now, they no longer have a future.

Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has strongly criticized the mutualities, stating, "The criticism of the assessments carried out by the mutualities is founded." He urged them to "reinvent themselves entirely" if they wish to maintain their social role. The controversy has fueled calls for reform, with nationalist parties emphasizing the need for equitable burden-sharing and a robust social security system that serves genuine needs while preventing abuse.

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The Inami controls are a slap in the face for the workers, a slap for those who can no longer work, a slap for social security.