Ready to top up your bank account, gain valuable work experience, and balance your studies like a pro? Working as a student can be super rewarding, but in Belgium, you need to be aware of the “600-hour rule.” In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what that rule means, why you should keep it in mind, and when it might actually make sense to go over that limit. Let’s dive in!
First Things First: What Is a “Working Student”?
In Belgium, you’re officially considered a “working student” once you’ve worked more than 600 hours in a calendar year. Until you hit that 600-hour threshold, you get to work under a special student status: lower taxes, reduced social contributions, and no worries about losing child benefits. But once you go over the 600 hours, you lose those benefits, and you’ll pay more taxes. This can make working more expensive, but it can also be beneficial – and that’s where the real decision-making comes in.
What Are the Benefits of a Student Job?
Here are the top reasons why working as a student can be super worthwhile for you:
1. Extra Cash
Life is expensive. Whether you’re covering rent, books, or just your coffee habit, working as a student gives you extra financial freedom. And the best part? Up to 600 hours, you pay fewer taxes on your income, so you can keep more of what you earn!
2. Work Experience (Hello, CV Boost!)
Gaining work experience while studying is a secret superpower. Employers love students with some real-world experience. It’ll give you a head start on the job market when you graduate.
3. Professional Networking
A student job means meeting new people who can help you in your career. This network could help you land an internship or even a permanent job later on. Sounds pretty good, right?
4. Life Skills
Aside from practical knowledge, you’ll also gain important skills like time management, communication, and teamwork. These are useful for both work and study, so it’s a double win!
But Watch Out: There Are Some Drawbacks
1. Impact on Child Benefits
This is super important to keep in mind: as soon as you work over 600 hours in a year, you lose your right to child benefits. For many families, child benefits are a valuable support, so check beforehand whether the extra hours are worth that loss in your particular situation. You might be making more than you would receive through the child benefit system.
2. Higher Taxes
Under the 600-hour threshold, you benefit from lower social contributions. Once you go over it, you’ll be considered a regular employee, which means paying more taxes. So be sure to track your hours carefully if you want to maximize your earnings.
When Is It Worth It to Work Over 600 Hours?
In some cases, working more than 600 hours can actually be beneficial – like if you’re earning a higher wage or if the job aligns perfectly with your career plans. It can even be financially advantageous to go over the limit. This decision is really personal, and it varies from one student to the next.
At Studaro, our Talent Coaches are ready to help you calculate whether it’s worth going over 600 hours for your specific situation. They can break down the fiscal impact and help you decide whether those extra hours make sense. Quick tip: the 600-hour counter resets every year on January 1st, so if you work a bit extra at the end of December, you’ll start the new year fresh!
How to Keep Track of Your Hours
Use student@work, a government tool that lets you see exactly how many hours you have left under the special student status. You can also download an official statement to show your employer how many hours you have remaining. This makes it easy to keep track of your hours and gives you an overview of all student jobs where you have a contract. Easy and organized!
In Summary
Working as a student under the 600-hour limit has plenty of advantages, like tax savings and continued eligibility for child benefits. But sometimes, going over that limit can actually be smart – for example, if it means higher pay or career opportunities. Not sure what’s best for you? Our Talent Coaches at Studaro are happy to help you make the choice that best fits your situation.
Curious about your options? Sign up today and discover the perfect job for your goals and situation!
