The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will significantly affect employers financially: the maximum aid will decrease from €27,732 over three years to just €12,326 over one year.
What changes will apply from January 1, 2026 ?
Reduction in the duration of aid
Until December 31, 2025, SESAM aid could be granted for up to three years. From January 1, 2026, the duration will be limited to a maximum of one year.
Registration requirement with Forem: from 1 day to 4 months
Currently, a worker only needs to be registered with Forem for at least one day to qualify for the aid.
From January 1, 2026, this requirement will be stricter: the worker must be registered with Forem for at least four months at the time of hiring.
Increase in the age for "elderly worker" from 55 to 57 years
The financial aid provided to you as an employer will be increased by €3,080 if the hiring involves particularly vulnerable individuals in the job market, especially elderly workers starting at 55 years old.
From January 1, 2026, this increase will only apply to workers aged 57 and over.
Removal of the increase for the first three hires
The increase for the first three hires of a new company, which existed before 2026, will be removed for recruitments made from January 1, 2026.
Comparative table for a full-time hire
|
Criterion |
Before 2026 |
From 01/01/2026 |
|
Maximum duration |
3 years |
1 year |
|
Year 1 |
12,326 € |
12,326 € |
|
Year 2 |
9,243 € |
❌ |
|
Year 3 |
6,163 € |
❌ |
|
Total over 3 years |
27,732 € |
12,326 € |
|
Increase for the first 3 hires |
+ 3,080 € |
❌ Removed |
|
Forem registration required |
1 day |
4 months |
|
Increase for elderly worker |
From 55 years |
From 57 years |
As an employer, you will lose approximately €15,406 over three years (excluding the increase).
Is there a move towards the total removal of SESAM?
The Walloon government is planning a more comprehensive reform of employment aids. According to some sources, the SESAM plan could be completely removed from July 1, 2026.
A second draft decree is currently being prepared. We will keep you updated on Lex4You.
What is Securex doing for you ?
For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact your Legal Advisor by email at myHr@securex.be.
We continuously monitor legislative developments and will keep you informed as progress is made, particularly regarding the possible removal of SESAM on July 1, 2026.
Source ?
- Draft decree on the budgetary programme containing various measures
- Reform of employment incentives: what changes for the SESAM scheme - Employment and Vocational Training in Wallonia