Living conditions

Housing
Housing is most of the time a difficult aspect of the debt. Almost 98,67% of the people that are in the situation of over-indebtedness do not own a real-estate when starting a collective debt settlement.

If someone is unable to pay his rent, he cannot be evicted immediately from his house. The letter has to go to court to dissolve the contract or a negotiation about the payment should be made. When no solution can be found, eviction is the only option left. But the government can be the helping hand. People with a lower income or with debts, have a right to a subvention or social housing.

Another possible situation is when a debtor is unable to make the payment of the loan for his house. The creditor, most of the times the bank, should try to achieve an amical settlement for the attachment judge, both parties have to agree on the deal about the repayment. The attachment judge could approve to some payment facilities. The debtor has the right to spread his payments, without losing the house. When no settlement is achieved and facilities are not the solution, then the bank which granted the loan, can seize the house. This is possible without interference of a judge; the notarial deed has the same power as a verdict of the court (Eerste hulp bij schulden).

=== '''Electricity, gas and water''' === The payments for electricity and gas can be very high and are a big cost. Yet, the contract between the debtor and its electricity supplier cannot be disbanded without fulfilling some conditions. To help people in the situation of over-indebtedness, the Belgium government has invented the “budget-meter”. This meter makes sure that you have to pay first, before you receive electricity, this helps to control the costs and limit their potential use of electricity. Those who have a limited income, can claim a lower price for electricity. They have a right to the social maximum price. The supplies will be delivered by a public service (Eandis or Iverlek), which will be cheaper than a private dealer. Only in exceptional circumstances, for example refusing a budget-meter, the supply of electricity or gas can be completely cut off (Eerste hulp bij schulden.)

For the users of oil fuel, a “Sociaal Verwarmingsfonds” is founded. This funds helps people in the over-indebtedness situation, pay the bill for the oil fuel. It is also possible to spread the payment of the bill, so the debtor does not lose one big part of his budget all at once (Sociaal Verwarmingsfonds).

Water can also not be cut off without legal interference. In some cases, over-indebtedness for example, people can get a discount or exemption on their water bill.