Belgium's recent overhaul of unemployment benefits has triggered a sharp rise in legal disputes, with court challenges against benefit exclusions tripling since the reforms took effect.

Business AM reports that data from French-speaking labor courts show approximately 3,650 appeals filed from September 1 to the end of March. This compares to fewer than 2,000 such cases in a typical year across these courts.

The De Wever government's changes cap unemployment support at 24 months maximum: 12 months of basic entitlement, plus up to 12 additional months based on work history. Those exceeding this period lose benefits but may qualify for minimum income support through local welfare offices.

Rollout occurred in phases. It began this January targeting those unemployed over 20 years, expanded in March to 8-20 years, and from April to 2-8 years.

The surge varies by area. Liège's labor court, covering Namur and Luxembourg provinces, logged over 2,000 appeals since September—more than double its annual average of around 900.

Hainaut faces similar pressures, with prosecutor Sophie Salens warning of delays due to staff shortages. Brussels recorded over 870 cases, mostly from French-speaking jobseekers, adding to administrative burdens. Walloon Brabant saw a milder impact, linked to lower unemployment rates.

This legal backlash highlights resistance to efforts aimed at activating long-term unemployed workers. While the caps seek to reduce welfare spending and encourage job-seeking, the influx of cases could slow processing times and raise costs for the court system. No additional resources have been allocated to handle the volume, per the reports.