Single mother feels the pinch as Flanders scraps school bonus

For single mother Evy (47) from Kruibeke, the abolition of the school bonus in Flanders means she can no longer afford a new pair of shoes for her 7-year-old son. This year, Flanders stopped paying the school bonus to about 1.1 million children, a measure expected to save the regional government 50 million euros annually. Only families who receive a social supplement as part of the "Groeipakket" (growth package) remain eligible.

Evy, an administrative employee, earns a net income of approximately 2,500 euros per month. This income, she explains, often places her just above the threshold for many support measures, a situation she finds frustrating. Despite working full-time, she struggles to make ends meet on a single income, missing out on benefits like the job bonus or discounts for holidays because her earnings are slightly too high.

The loss of the school bonus, which for her son would have been 40.38 euros, adds to her financial pressure. Evy bought her own house five years ago and is actively paying off the mortgage. By the 24th of the month, her salary is typically depleted, forcing her to rely on frozen food and pantry staples for the final week of the month, with fresh produce or yogurt becoming unaffordable luxuries. Sometimes, essential bills are left unpaid for weeks or even months.

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Rond de 24e van de maand is mijn loon meestal op. Dan eten we wat er nog in de diepvries of de voorraadkast zit. Vers fruit of yoghurt zit er dan niet meer in.