Impulse 55 years+: more restrictive access
From 2026, you will only be able to benefit from the Impulse 55 years+ aid if the person you recruit is at least 57 years old. This change aims to better support workers who are further from employment.
Another important change is that the salary ceiling used to calculate the aid will now be limited to 13,500 €, down from the current 17,000 €.
These new conditions will apply to all new hires made from January 1, 2026.
Learn more: « What is the target group reduction for older workers? »
Impulse -25 years and 12 months+: shorter aid duration
Impulse -25 years
If you hire a young person under 25 years old, the duration of the aid will be reduced. Instead of the current three years, the aid will now last for a maximum of two years.
The amount of aid will remain unchanged at 500 € per month.
Check our sheet: « Impulse for young job seekers under 25 years old »
Impulse 12 months+
From 2026, this aid will only be granted for one year, instead of two. The amount will remain fixed at 500 €/month, but the shorter duration means that your financial support will be focused on the first year of employment.
Read more: « Impulse for long-term job seekers ».
Springboard 24 months+: what you need to know
Unlike the Impulse schemes, Springboard 24 months+ has positive changes for employers.
The annual grant ceiling will increase from 750 to 1,000 FTE, allowing more applications to be accepted without the risk of reaching the limit. The access conditions will remain the same, and no tightening is planned for this scheme.
Read more: « Springboard 24 months+ »
Effective date?
According to the current proposals, these changes would take effect from January 1, 2026. They will only apply to new hires or activations made from that date. Existing schemes will continue to follow the current rules without modification.
We are closely monitoring the legislative process: as soon as the effective date is confirmed, you will be informed on Lex4You.
Towards a complete restructuring on July 1, 2026?
The Walloon Government is also preparing a comprehensive overhaul of employment aids. This reform would go far beyond the adjustments of January 1. By July 1, 2026, it plans to abolish the Impulse schemes (-25 years, 12 months+, 55 years+), Springboard 24 months+, and SESAM, replacing them with a single hiring aid premium.
However, this is still a draft proposal: we will keep you informed on Lex4You as soon as the reform and its transitional measures are definitively adopted.
Source?
- Draft decree of the Walloon Government concerning various provisions related to employment and training
