Will the central index rate still be exceeded in 2026?

In February 2026, inflation increased from 1.10% to 1.45%. This means that inflation has risen again compared to previous months. In particular, the prices of electricity and meat have gone up significantly. What does this mean for the central index rate?

This AI-generated translation may contain errors and should not be considerd legal advice. For accurate info, refer to the Dutch or French version or consult your Securex Legal Advisor.

What is the central index?

The central index is a key value that indicates 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.

Will the central index be exceeded in 2026?

The central index (130.67) was exceeded in December 2025.
Read more: "The central index was exceeded"

According to the latest forecasts from the Federal Planning Bureau the central index is expected to be exceeded in July 2026.
The central index (100.28, base year 2025) is therefore expected to be reached in July 2026

If the central index is exceeded, wages and social benefits will increase by 2%.
This adjustment will take place three months after the consumer price index exceeds the threshold. This means that the salaries of government employees will only be adjusted by 2% in October.

Cent index

This indexing will be calculated according to the rules of the 'cent index', which will come into effect on June 1, 2026 (as stated in the draft program law).

The indexing percentage of 2% will only apply to the portion up to 2000 euros gross per month for social benefits and to the portion up to 4000 euros gross per month for government salaries.

Non-profit sectors

The non-profit sectors (such as nursing homes and childcare centres) will also receive a 2% indexing. This adjustment will occur in the first or second month after the central index is exceeded, based on agreements made at the sector level.

What is the impact on other amounts?

Additionally, there will be an increase in the GMMI, the work bonus, the flex wage in the hospitality sector, …

All these amounts can be found in our socio- and fiscal list.

Index forecast for Joint Committee 200

In Joint Committee No. 200, wages are indexed once a year in January. The indexing rules in JC 200 are therefore not linked to the central index.

In January 2026, wages in JC 200 were indexed by 2.21%.

The forecast for January 2027 is currently 2.86%.

Index forecast in other sectors

Each sector sets its own indexing rules. Some sectors index once a year at a fixed time with a variable percentage, like JC 200. Other sectors index at a variable time but with a fixed percentage.

An example of the latter system is the chemical sector. This is JC 116 for manual workers and JC 207 for white-collar workers. There, wages were indexed by 2% in April 2025.

The next index is not expected until May 2026.

Check the rules in your sector via Joint Committees > Determining the salary > Indexing rules.