What happens to your pension upon death? Survivors in Zoetermeer may claim certain benefits, depending on your personal situation and pension scheme.
Death Before the Pension Date
If you pass away before your pension starts:
- Your partner may be entitled to a partner's pension benefit
- Your children may qualify for orphan's pension
- The extent of coverage depends on the specific pension scheme (accumulation or risk)
Death After the Pension Date
If you pass away while already receiving a pension benefit:
- The old-age pension is terminated
- Your partner may receive a partner's pension
- The benefit is often approximately 70% of the original old-age pension
Reporting Death in Zoetermeer
Upon a death, it must be reported to:
- The relevant pension fund for benefits
- The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) for AOW and possibly Anw
- The employer, if the deceased was still employed
Anw and Pension Benefits
Separate from a survivors' pension, survivors in Zoetermeer may be entitled to a benefit under the General Survivors Act (Anw):
- The Anw is a government benefit
- It is separate from employer pensions
- The amount of the Anw may be reduced by other income
Frequently Asked Questions about Pension and Death
Does my partner receive my full pension upon death?
No, your partner generally receives a partner's pension, often around 70% of what your old-age pension was or would have been.
What if I have no partner?
In that case, the partner's pension usually reverts to the fund. Children may still be entitled to orphan's pension, however.
Can I choose who receives my pension?
Partially. You can register your partner with the pension fund, but it is usually not possible to designate someone else.
Extra Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly do survivors in Zoetermeer receive a pension benefit after death?
The time required varies per fund, but on average it takes 4 to 8 weeks for the first payment. Report the death immediately to the pension fund and the SVB and provide documents such as a death certificate to avoid delays. Contact your fund for their specific process.
What happens to my pension if I have no partner or children?
In the absence of survivors entitled to partner's or orphan's pension, the pension often reverts to the fund. In some cases, you can designate another beneficiary, provided this has been recorded in advance. Consult your pension scheme or the fund for more information.
Can I increase the partner's pension?
Some schemes offer options to increase the partner's pension through additional premiums or supplementary insurance. Consult your pension fund or an advisor about the options and associated costs in Zoetermeer.
How is partner's pension calculated upon death before pension date?
This is often based on the accumulated capital or a percentage of your salary. In accumulation schemes, this is usually 70% of the old-age pension. Request a personal calculation from your fund for details.
What is the difference between Anw and a survivors' pension?
The Anw is a government scheme for survivors with little income or young children, while survivors' pension comes from your own pension scheme. Anw may be reduced by income, survivors' pension usually not. Both can be combined.
Do I need to register my partner with the pension fund?
Yes, usually you must register your partner yourself to claim partner's pension. This can be done via a form from the fund. Without registration, your partner may not be able to claim rights. Check your scheme.
Does my ex-partner have rights to pension after my death?
This depends on your scheme and divorce arrangements. An ex-partner often only has rights if explicitly recorded in the settlement agreement.