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Hi everyone!

With the hopes that any experienced fellow PhD students out there... My question is about unemployment benefits. I am doing my PhD in Brussels. I have been a full time teaching assistant for four years (paid under scholarship), and the last two years I worked under single permit. In all legal systems, I am seen as a full-time employee since 2019. As I came to belgium in 2018 (complying 5 years + working condition), I wanted to apply for long term residency. However, I was told that my student years counted half and I need to wait till June 2026 (Even though I showed them I was a full time employee, they said nope you were under student visa.)

1. Do you think I should still push my chance to claim it? If yes, what should I do or where should I go?

Also, my contract will end this September. I won't be paid anymore, but I still have a few months to finish my PhD. As I wont be under single permit anymore, apparently I need to register as a student again and apply to commune accordingly.

1. Do I have rights to apply for unemployment benefits as I am eligible on the conditions of working time etc. but at the moment being under student residency? Would it withhold my employment benefit?

Many thanks!

Best