1000/month is a bit of an exageration, more like 400 if you work less than 5 years for your employer. You also need to work at least 2 years for your employer.
Oh, and don't be so eager to jump on the neo-liberal thought wagon. Some people travel, most use it to raise babies.
Source: I've done it.
Those I know were getting around 1000 a month. All 5 of them.
I'm not against time credit (babies need their parents, sick people need help) but some abuse the system.
As a fellow belgian, I agree with the commenter below. Some people use it for other things too.
Also, I just visited South America for 3 months and decided beforehand that I would quit my job (which I didn't hate but it didn't provoke any passionate response either) and afterwards start working on something I'm truly passionate about. So no leaching off the state budget and couldn't be happier.
You do need the company's permission. But no wonder our country is getting deeper in debt. I don't know that many people but I do know 5 people who have done this.