Since the start of the economic crisis a growing number of people have been asking for financial assistance from the local Social Services Department. Last year, for example, the number of claimants rose by 3 percent.

The rise is most pronounced among younger people under 25.

The figures also show that nearly 6,000 people in employment currently receive financial assistance from their respective Social Services Councils as they can’t make ends meet with their wages.

This is double the number a decade ago.

These are often single-mothers who work as temps or work in the hospitality industry.

The so-called working poor are more prevalent in the Flanders Region than in Wallonia or Brussels.

However, the Brussels-Capital Region and Wallonia have between twice and three times the percentage of people claiming the existence wage.

Flandersnews.be / Expatica