Suffering from a brain tumor almost always results in a chronic neurological disorder. A brain tumor patient becomes someone with an acquired brain injury (ABI). This impacts their social functioning. Government efforts are primarily aimed at preventing patients from becoming socially isolated. Various services are available.
The federal government: the costs of medical care and drug provision are covered in full or in part by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI) – provided they concern registered and reimbursable services and benefits.
If the benefits and services are not reimbursable, you can apply for compensation from the Special Solidarity Fund (BSF), which can partially reimburse the costs incurred if the illness involves a serious illness requiring expensive treatment. More information is available on the website: https://www.riziv.fgov.be/nl/thema-s/verzorging-kosten-en-terugbetaling/financiele-toegankelijk/bijzonder-solidariteitsfonds
- The federal government also has a system of compensation for employers if they employ people with a health problem, the individual customization https://werkgevers.vdab.be/wegwijs/gezondheidsprobleem#tegemoetkoming
The federal government can grant you disabled status. In the case of a severe disability, this entitles you to a tax reduction. Other benefits also come with this status, such as numerous discounts.
.https://handicap.belgium.be/nl
The Flemish government: The Flemish Agency for Persons with Disabilities (VAPH) offers numerous resources. Visit www.vaph.be. Here you'll find information on aids, support, personal assistance budgets (PAB), personal budgets (PGB), housing and shelter, and more. You can contact them for support with all your questions.
The Flemish Employment Service (VDAB) provides information and support in finding work for people with disabilities. Visit www.vdab.be. More information can also be found in the brochure "The VDAB also for people with a work disability."
Your municipality can assist you in submitting an application for disability status. This status may lead to a tax reduction and an integration allowance. The assessment of your disability status is conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Welfare and will take place a few months after you submit your application.
The Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) affiliated with your municipality has social workers who can guide you through the complex legal framework and assist you with submitting applications. They can also visit you at home if necessary. The OCMW also organizes several services that may be useful to you, such as providing hot meals if needed. Visit the website of your municipality and your OCMW. Services vary from municipality to municipality.
- The hospital's social services can help you initially with gathering information and taking the first steps.
Health insurance funds and mutual health insurance companies have extensive knowledge and experience supporting sick people and people with disabilities. Visit your local health insurance fund's office or make an appointment with a social worker. You can also get home help through your health insurance fund.
Both "Stand Up to Cancer" and the "Foundation Against Cancer" offer a comprehensive overview of the options available. In cases of extreme emergency, you can also receive financial assistance, for example, with intervention for non-reimbursable or partially reimbursable therapy, usually on the recommendation of a doctor and/or social worker. https://www.komoptegenkanker.be/
https://kanker.be/
The patient association offers an opportunity to connect with others in the same situation who understand the challenges you face. It is also an important source of information. In Flanders, there is one group for brain tumor patients:
Brain Tumor Working Group vzw
Gasstraat 5 - 2950 Kapellen
Mobile: 0495 303 511 or 0032 495 303 511
E-mail: info@wg-hersentumoren.be Website: www.wg-hersentumoren.be
The Brain Tumor Working Group (WGv) collaborates with organizations such as Kom op tegen tegen Kanker (Stand Up to Cancer), the Stichting tegen Kanker (Foundation Against Cancer), the International Brain Tumor Alliance (IBTA), the Harvey Cushing Center, the Brain Injury League, the Belgian Brain Council, the Flemish Patient Platform, Radiorg, the European Federation of Neurological Associations, and various government agencies in Belgium to gather information and, if necessary, advocate for our patients. If you or a loved one are experiencing problems due to a brain tumor, please don't hesitate to let us know.
The Flemish government has initiated a catch-up effort, requiring all municipalities to create a decent housing supply for people on low incomes. This is the case for many people in this situation. There is generally high demand for social housing, but insufficient supply.
There is international legislation that provides a basis for the care and support of people with disabilities. This is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of December 13, 2006. This convention was signed by our country on March 31, 2007, and ratified by all our parliaments on July 3, 2009. This means that all rights stated in this convention are, in principle, enforceable. Our government agencies are currently working on implementing the convention. It will take several years before our laws and regulations are fully adapted. But at least people with disabilities now have a legal "leg to stand on." For further information, please contact GRIP vzw (Equal Rights for Every Person), www.gripvzw.be.
