Annemarie(37)

After my divorce I was on my own with two children aged 5 and 8. In Leiden I paid €1,250 rent for an upstairs apartment, childcare was €1,100 per month, and the waiting list for social housing was eight years. My sister lives in Kortrijk and kept saying: "Come here, life is more affordable." Eventually I did it.

Kortrijk is a hidden gem. A charming city on the Leie river, with a vibrant center and affordable housing. I rent a three-bedroom apartment in the Budaswijk for €750 per month — impossible in Leiden. The children attend a municipal primary school where education is free — no parental contribution, no costs for school materials in the first year.

The Groeipakket was a financial lifeline. As a single mother I receive €170 per child per month, plus a social supplement because my income falls below the threshold. In total I receive over €450 per month in child benefit — almost double what I received in the Netherlands. Additionally there's the school allowance: an annual amount for school costs.

The mutualiteit (I chose CM Kortrijk) I arranged immediately after registering at the municipality. As a single person with low income I qualify for the increased reimbursement (VT status), meaning I pay much lower co-payments at the doctor and pharmacy. Nothing like this existed in the Netherlands — health insurance cost me €130 per month plus €385 deductible.

I found work through VDAB (Flemish employment service) — the Belgian equivalent of UWV. I now work as an administrative assistant at a social secretariat in Kortrijk. The salary is slightly lower than in the Netherlands, but with lower housing costs, the Groeipakket and cheaper childcare (€15 per day via Kind & Gezin), I manage better than in Leiden.

My tip for single parents: inform yourself well about Flemish social allowances and the VT status at the mutualiteit. Belgian social protection for vulnerable groups is stronger than Dutch. And Kortrijk is ideal: affordable, safe, child-friendly and large enough for all amenities. My children are happy here, and so am I.