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Practical guide

Get a reference address at CPAS

Without an address, almost nothing can move forward: no mail, identity card, integration income or health insurance. A reference address is an official address for people without housing. It is a right.

Before you start

  • Your identity document, if you have one, even if it has expired.
  • Any document showing where you live or sleep, such as a certificate from a social service or mail received at an address.
  • The name of the municipality where you are most often: its CPAS is competent.

The steps, in order

  1. Go to the CPAS of the municipality where you live most often

    Go in the morning during reception hours. For the City of Brussels, go to the central reception office at 296 rue Haute. For other municipalities, the CPAS page on this site gives the address.

  2. What to know firstIf the request is refused, ask for the written decision. You can appeal to the Labour Court within 3 months. The Legal Aid Office can help you free of charge.

    Make it clear what you're asking

    Say: "I am here to request a reference address because I do not have housing." You can show this page. Ask for an acknowledgement of receipt for your application.

  3. Answer the social survey

    A social worker checks that you have no housing and that you actually live in the municipality. Answer the questions and provide the documents you have. There is no reason to feel ashamed: this is a normal procedure.

  4. Collect your mail regularly

    Once you are registered, your mail will arrive at the CPAS. Collect it regularly, at least once every 3 months, or the registration may be cancelled. With this address, you can renew an identity card, open a bank account, apply for integration income and join a health-insurance fund.

This guide offers guidance, never legal advice. Practice differs from one commune to another: call before you go. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.