Is there a social tariff or cheaper phone and internet for people on a low income in Belgium?
Since 1 March 2024 you can ask your fixed-internet operator for the social internet offer: at least 30 Mbps and 150 GB of download volume. A household can have only one beneficiary. Questions: FOD Economie, 0800 120 33.
Some countries have a social tariff or other support so that people on a low income can afford a phone and internet connection, and many guarantee a basic connection. What exists in Belgium is below.
📜 The rules in Belgium
The scheme
Sociaal internetaanbod
Who qualifies
Households where someone receives the leefloon or similar OCMW aid, the income guarantee for the elderly, certain disability allowances, a regional elderly-care allowance, or has a child with a recognised disability (at least 4 points in pillar 1); legal residence in Belgium.
The details
- You qualify if you or someone in your household gets, for example, the leefloon or similar OCMW aid, the income guarantee for the elderly, certain disability allowances, a regional elderly-care allowance, or has a child with a recognised disability (at least 4 points, pillar 1). (ejustice.just.fgov.be)
- You need a legal residence at an address in Belgium. In a hotel, care home or other shared living, you qualify only with a contract in your own name for your own use. Not for business contracts. (ejustice.just.fgov.be)
- Discounts requested before 1 March 2024 (the old social tariff) continue unless you change plan or operator, the plan is withdrawn, you move, or you no longer qualify. Choosing the new offer ends the old discount for good. (bipt.be)
- Belgium currently has no designated provider of the geographic universal service (fixed telephony and internet of at least 1 Mbps everywhere), because the market covers nearly the whole territory. (bipt.be)
FOD Economie, K.M.O., Middenstand en Energie – Contact Center
Answers questions about the social internet offer.
Belgisch Instituut voor postdiensten en telecommunicatie (BIPT)
Questions about keeping an old social discount requested before 1 March 2024; weekdays 9:00-12:00 or stts@bipt.be.
🪜 Step by step
- See what existsThe schemes and rights in Belgium are listed on this page, with who qualifies.
- Check whether you qualifySupport is often linked to benefits, age, disability or income. Have proof ready.
- Apply or ask your providerSome schemes need an application; others are offered through the providers.
- Look for cheaper plansBasic plans, prepaid SIMs and mobile internet can cost less than a full package.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Is there a right to a basic internet connection?
Many countries guarantee a basic connection at an affordable price. The rule for Belgium, if there is one, is on this page.
Do I have to apply?
Usually yes. The details for Belgium are on this page.
Can I get help with a debt to my provider?
Ask the provider for a payment plan, and contact free debt advice before your line is cut off.
📎 Sources
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