What is the central index?
The central index is a benchmark that decides when social benefits and government salaries are adjusted for inflation. If the average of the last four months of the health index (known as the 'flattened' health index) exceeds the central index, those amounts will increase by 2 percent.
Adjustment by 2%
If the central index is exceeded, wages and social benefits will rise by 2%. The federal government has stated in the program law that social benefits and civil servant salaries will only be increased three months after the consumption price index is exceeded. This means that government personnel salaries will be adjusted by 2% in March 2026.
Wages in the non-profit sector will also increase by 2% in January or February, along with the flexible wage in the hospitality sector and the GMMI (January 2026). The social partners have issued a unanimous advice-2447.pdf in the NAR to ensure that the government's decision to index only three months later does not negatively affect the non-profit sectors.
No exceedances of the central index are expected for 2026.
And the joint committee 200
In JC 200, wages will be indexed by 2.21% on January 1, 2026.
Read more: "The index for JC 200 is known"
Cents index
Employees with a gross monthly salary above €4,000 will not receive a percentage indexation starting in 2026, but a fixed amount (cents index). This measure was planned for 2026 and 2028, but the government has postponed its implementation as the details are not yet finalised.
Those earning more than €4,000 and working in a sector with indexation in January (e.g. JC 200) will receive the normal indexation in January 2026, without any cap. The limitation will likely only take effect in 2027; the exact date is still to be determined.
Source
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