Applicants for international protection (asylum) are entitled to material assistance while their asylum application is reviewed. This assistance includes basic needs and social support. Asylum seekers do not receive financial support.

Fedasil is the Belgian government's organisation that provides this material assistance in collective centres (belonging to Fedasil, the Red Cross or another partner) or in individual housing managed by associations or a commune.

• The asylum seeker resides at a reception centre

The reception centre provides all the basic needs: a bed, meals, access to sanitary facilities and medical care. The centre also organises personalised social support. Asylum seekers receive some pocket money (for an adult: 7.90 euros per week).

• The asylum seeker resides in individual housing

In individual housing, asylum seekers receive the same services as in the collective centres. However, they are generally responsible for their own cooking. They then receive an allowance of approximately 60 euros per week and per adult. They must use this money to buy food for three meals a day and hygiene products such as shampoo and razors.

In total, there are nearly 27,000 reception places available in Belgium (mostly in collective centres).