Social welfare centres in Belgium, by city

Ask at the centre of the municipality where you live

Larger cities have several service points, spread over different neighbourhoods. Some want an online request first, others hold drop-in sessions on set days, and a few hand out numbered tickets that can run out early. Find your city to see how its centre works before you head there.

About this serviceBrowse offices by city
2 offices in Bruges

  • Bruges

    OCMW Brugge — Eerste onthaal

    Hoogstraat 9, 8000 Bruges

    Walk in on a weekday morning and register at reception, or book an appointment if you prefer.

    Apply onlineOffice website+32 50 32 77 70

    Bring identification, a residence permit if applicable, information about where you live and your household’s income, benefits, savings and other entitlements. Ask which additional evidence the social worker needs. A first assistance request can also be submitted through OCMW (public social welfare centre) Online; monitor the phone and email details you provide for follow-up. For first requests through OCMW Online, the decision period is 30 days: from submission on a working day, or from the next working day after a weekend or public-holiday submission. This is a decision timetable, not a promise of immediate payment. Tell the social worker if you want to be heard before the decision and report relevant changes promptly.

  • Bruges

    OCMW Brugge — Eerste onthaal d’Oude Stoasie

    Venetiëstraat 1, Zeebrugge, 8380 Bruges

    Drop in on Thursday mornings, or phone or email to book an appointment at other times.

    Apply onlineOffice website+32 50 32 77 70

    Bring identification, a residence permit if applicable, information about where you live and your household’s income, benefits, savings and other entitlements. Ask which additional evidence the social worker needs. A first assistance request can also be submitted through OCMW (public social welfare centre) Online; monitor the phone and email details you provide for follow-up.

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Social assistance in Belgium

For people who cannot cover rent, food or other essentials: what the local social welfare centre can arrange and how to ask for an appointment.

Social help from OCMW or CPAS

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