Survivors' pension provides financial support to your partner and children after your death. This is often included in pension schemes, but the conditions and coverage vary by situation.
What is survivors' pension?
Survivors' pension is a benefit for your loved ones after your death. It has two variants:
- Partner pension: a monthly benefit for your partner
- Orphan's pension: financial support for your children
Types of survivors' pension
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Accumulation system | You save annually a portion of the partner pension |
| Risk system | Coverage only during your employment, without accumulation |
| Lump-sum payment | A one-time amount instead of periodic payments |
Amount of partner pension
The amount of the partner pension depends on your specific scheme:
- Often 70% of your old-age pension
- In some cases 50% or another percentage
- Check your annual pension statement for the exact figures
Details on orphan's pension
Orphan's pension supports children up to a certain age limit:
- Usually until 18 or 21 years
- In case of continued studies sometimes until 27 years
- Often between 14-20% of the old-age pension per child
Help in Zoetermeer
Do you have questions about survivors' pension? The Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer offers free advice on legal and financial matters. For complex cases, you can go to the District Court of The Hague, which also handles cases from Zoetermeer.
Frequently asked questions about survivors' pension
Am I entitled to partner pension if I am not married?
Often yes, provided you have registered this with your pension fund. Check the specific rules of your scheme.
Does the pension stop if my partner remarries?
In most cases no, but this varies by scheme. Consult the conditions of your fund.
What if I have not accrued survivors' pension?
Your partner may be eligible for the government's Anw benefit, provided the criteria are met.
Extra questions and answers
How do I know if I have survivors' pension?
You can see this in your annual pension statement or via MijnPensioenoverzicht.nl with your DigiD. If unclear, contact your pension administrator or employer in Zoetermeer.
Do my children always receive orphan's pension?
This depends on your pension scheme at the time of death. The age limit is often between 18 and 21 years, with extension for studies up to 27 years. Check your regulations.
What if I change employers?
With a new job, you often start a new scheme for survivors' pension. The old pension remains, but may decrease in value. Value transfer is sometimes possible; ask your new fund for advice.
Can I arrange extra coverage myself?
Yes, via a term life insurance or annuity you can create additional security. Get informed about the costs and conditions by an advisor in Zoetermeer.
How is this pension taxed?
It falls under box 1 as income and is subject to income tax. For children, lower rates often apply. Ask your fund about withholdings.