Actiris today released the findings of its second monitoring report on federal unemployment reforms. The analysis focuses on the observed effects of time limits on unemployment benefits and the initial impacts of activating long-term incapacitated workers.
The monitoring examines the situation of 15,500 job seekers affected by the first two waves of benefit exclusions (over 20 years old and over 8 years unemployed) that occurred in the first quarter of 2026. In the short term, the loss of benefits primarily leads to a shift towards other social safety nets.
Nearly one in two unemployed individuals (47.6%) affected by the first-quarter exclusions in 2026 became beneficiaries of the CPAS (Public Social Welfare Centre) within three months of their rights ending. Additionally, 8.9% (1,381 people) transitioned to the health insurance-disability scheme (INAMI).
Access to employment remains limited: only 12.6% of those excluded found a job within three months, a proportion that drops to 7.1% for contracts of 28 days or longer. These rates are partly explained by the profile of the affected job seekers, who are very distant from the labor market (over 8 years of inactivity).
These figures are provisional and subject to change. The reform limiting unemployment benefits over time is still in its deployment phase.
In response, Actiris and its partners (Local Missions and CPAS) have mobilized. Since October 2025, 4,647 individuals whose benefits ended have begun an support program. More than half were assisted within the three months preceding the effective end of their benefits. Information sessions and personalized interviews have also been offered.
Regarding the activation of long-term sick individuals, 3,542 social security recipients were registered with Actiris, with 1,349 registered since January 1, 2026. Furthermore, 1,136 social security recipients have already benefited from at least one specific support action since January.
By the end of the first half of 2026, a total of 27,500 Brussels job seekers had lost their unemployment or insertion benefits. The profile of excluded individuals indicates significant vulnerability: 63.6% have a low level of education, and 39.1% are aged 50 or older.
The shift to CPAS affects the entire Region. Proportionally, the communes of Etterbeek (57.8%), Auderghem (53.6%), Bruxelles-Ville (52.9%), and Saint-Gilles (51.7%) have the highest proportion of individuals whose benefits ended and who have joined a CPAS.
Actiris estimates that approximately 10,000 additional job seekers are expected to reach the end of their benefit rights between July 2026 and June 2027. Indicators regarding actual access to employment and training will be closely monitored in future monitoring editions.
