The poster claims €1,289/month is “more than enough” to live in a medium-sized Walloon city. According to various sources, the cost of living for a single person in Belgium (excluding rent) ranges from €950 to €1,350 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. In Wallonia, rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside city centers can be €600–€900, making the poster’s income sufficient for basic needs if rent is partially covered by CPAS or if they live frugally.
The free food from Resto du Coeur further reduces expenses, as groceries typically cost €250/month. This support aligns with CPAS and Resto du Coeur’s roles in providing food parcels to those classified as “poor.”
The poster questions the value of working, arguing that welfare benefits (“neetbuxx”) provide a comparable quality of life without the effort. This reflects a broader sentiment sometimes seen in online communities like Anon Babble, where users critique societal expectations around work, especially in systems with robust welfare. The tone is provocative, likely aiming to spark debate or highlight perceived inefficiencies in the welfare system.
In Belgium, 12.3% of the population is at risk of poverty, and 6.1% face severe material deprivation, yet the welfare system ensures a baseline standard of living. The poster’s situation illustrates how CPAS and charities can create a safety net that some might exploit or rely on long-term.
In Wallonia, the median gross salary in the private sector is €3,100/month, but after high taxes, net income might be closer to €2,000. The poster’s €1,289, while lower, is tax-free and supplemented by free food, narrowing the gap between welfare and low-wage work. This could fuel their argument about the futility of working low-paying jobs.