All kind of cheques in Belgium

Belgium has a much more supportive social system than the Netherlands. Net wages are lower in Belgium but because of much more contributions to health care, pension savings or taxes. In return, you don’t have to pay over one hundred euro a month for health insurance or pay a lot less traffic taxes. Another support system in Belgium or the many “cheques”. These allow you to buy ecological products or food or services like cleaning with large discount.

“Ecocheque”

• ‘Green’ cheques that can be used to purchase ecological products and services
• 1 cheque = max. € 10
• An employee can receive up to €250 in cheques annually
• Cheques are valid for 24 months
• Are usually issued in June

“Maaltijd cheque”

• Cheques that can be used for food purchases
• 1 cheque = max. € 8
• A worker receives 1 meal voucher at the end of the month per working day worked
• Cheques are valid for 12 months
• In 1965, introduced as compensation for workers in companies that did not have a canteen or workers who had to go on the road
• Favourable for employer and employee because no tax has to be paid on them

“Diensten cheques”

• Cheques that can be used for household help
• 1 cheque = max. € 9
• Maximum application for 500 service cheques per calendar year
• Cheques are valid for 12 months
• Support from the Flemish Region
• Favourable because tax advantage

Source picture: www.pexels.com, Kristina Paukshtiti