Only changes will take effect on February 1. From higher rates at the NMBS and lower at the STIB, to a limitation of time credit, applications for pellet checks and the reimbursement of medicines for young cystic fibrosis patients: read here what changes.
NMBS raises fares
Railway company NMBS will pull from February up the rates. On average, this is an increase of about 9 percent.
School and commuter subscriptions will become 9.73 percent more expensive. The price of other products will increase by 8.73 percent. For example, a ‘Senior Ticket’ for people over 65 costs 7.80 euros (+0.60 euros) from 1 February and a ‘Youth Ticket’ up to 26 years costs 7.10 euros (+0.50 euros). An ordinary ten-ride ticket (‘Standard Multi’) will become 9 euros more expensive to 93 euros digitally or 96 euros on paper. The on-board fare, the surcharge for those who buy a ticket on the train, will also increase from 7 euros to 9 euros.
The railway company says it is forced to adjust the rates to the impact of rising inflation and energy prices. As the country’s largest electricity consumer, she expects the electricity bill in 2023 to be more than 200 million euros higher than last year. The tariff adjustment will only cover a limited part of the increased operating costs.
Nevertheless, the NMBS hopes to keep train travel attractive thanks to a number of ‘interesting initiatives’. For example, the railway company promises regular promotions, such as last summer’s Duo Ticket and the winter promotion at the end of the year.
Finally, travelers will have to pay extra for the Diabolo surcharge. From 1 February, this will be 6.40 euros, instead of 6.20 euros. This was announced by rail network manager Infrabel.
STIB introduces cheaper season ticket and telework ticket
The Brussels public transport company STIB is also making adjustments to its products from February. For example, the annual subscription for the over-65s is falling sharply in price.
From 1 February, people over the age of 65 can use all STIB trams and buses for a year for 12 euros. Until now, there was a price tag of 60 euros attached to it. The rate is thus brought into line with the price that a Brussels resident between the ages of 18 and 24 pays today.
The change was announced with the presentation of the Brussels budget in October. A lot of attention was paid to coping with the increased cost of living due to, among other things, the energy crisis.
The changed commuting behavior is also receiving attention. Since the corona pandemic has made working from home much more common, a traditional subscription is no longer beneficial for employees who only have to go to the office two to three days a week. They can now use a new flexible ticket of 75 journeys that is valid for 90 days.
Time credit is limited
The possibilities and benefits for time credit and thematic leave, such as parental leave, and career breaks for civil servants will be limited from 1 February. The government decided on this in October last year, when the budget for 2023 was drawn up.
Taking full-time time credit with benefit is only possible from 1 February for children up to the age of 5. Taking half-time or a fifth time credit for children between 5 and 8 years old is still possible. In addition, the total number of months in which time credit can be taken will be reduced from 51 to 48.
The seniority conditions for the time credit will also be tightened. Until now, to take time credit with the motive ‘care for a child’, employees had to have worked for at least 24 months prior to the time credit, from 1 February this will be 36 months. There will also be an employment condition in the company of 12 months for full-time time credit. Those who work part-time are granted access after 24 months of employment.
The increase in the benefit for time credit with the motive ‘care for a child’ for those who have seniority of 5 years or more will be abolished. From now on, the basic benefit will apply.
The conditions for taking parental leave – a maximum of four months per child – will not change, but seniority allowances and supplements will disappear for employees over the age of 50. The same applies to career breaks.
Pellet check can be requested
Those who are eligible for the so-called pellet check, worth 250 euros, can submit an application to the FPS Economy from 1 February. The government department is still a blow to the arm. We are doing everything we can to be ready on time and will test everything extensively to avoid any computer problems.
The check is intended for those who mainly heat with pellets. Those who meet the conditions can print a form from the website of the FPS Economy and then return it. In addition, there will also be a web application. ‘Normally’ they both go online on February 1, according to the FPS Economy.
Those who were already able to use the fuel oil check, the check for propane in bulk, or the federal premium for the basic package of gas are not eligible. Even those who already enjoy the social rate for gas have no chance.
Another condition is that the pellets must have been delivered in a tanker or on pallets, in an order of at least 500 kg, between June 1 last year and March 31 this year.
Whoever requests the check will have to provide a copy of the invoice and proof of payment.
Applications can be made until April 30.
Muco medicine for younger children
From 1 February, Kaftrio, a drug for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, will also be fully reimbursed for children aged 6 to 11 years. Since September 1, the expensive Kaftrio has already been reimbursed for eligible children from the age of 12. Reimbursement does depend on a number of medical criteria.
Cystic fibrosis has a major impact on the burden of disease and the quality of life of patients. Kaftrio improves lung function, reduces the number of flare-ups, reduces the need for antibiotics and gives cystic fibrosis patients a better quality of life.
It has also been agreed to reimburse the monotherapy Kalydeco, for patients from 4 months. This medicine restores the salt-water balance in the airways, thinning the mucus and better protecting the lungs. This therapy is already reimbursed from the age of 2, but now the youngest cystic fibrosis patients will also be eligible.
Correction 01/29: Some places said parental leave instead of time credit. That has been corrected in the text.
