Orphan's Pension for Children in Zoetermeer

Orphan's Pension for Children in Zoetermeer

In Zoetermeer, orphan's pension provides financial support to children who have lost a parent. This benefit assists until the child turns 18 or becomes self-sufficient. It falls under national social security schemes such as AOW, Anw or employer pension. For Zoetermeer residents, we explain orphan's pension for children, including eligibility criteria, application process and local support services such as the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer.

What is orphan's pension?

Orphan's pension for children in Zoetermeer is a monthly allowance that compensates for loss of income following the death of a parent. It provides stability during a difficult time. The three main types are:

• AOW orphan's pension: For children whose parent received or was entitled to AOW.
• Anw orphan's pension: Under the General Surviving Dependants Act for dependents of insured persons.
• Employer pension: Additional benefits via the employer's pension scheme in Zoetermeer or elsewhere.

The benefit often starts automatically or upon application and typically ends at age 18, but may continue during studies.

Legal basis

The rules for orphan's pension for children are set out in national laws, relevant for families in Zoetermeer:

• General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW): Articles 29-33 for AOW orphan's pension, mainly for children born before 1950.
• General Surviving Dependants Act (Anw): Chapter 4 (Articles 24-30) for the main benefit post-1950.
• Pensions Act: Article 72 et seq. requires pension funds to provide orphan's pension.
• Collective agreements and arrangements: Often more generous provisions in Zoetermeer sectors.

SVB administers AOW benefits, UWV handles Anw. For advice in Zoetermeer: the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer assists with applications or disputes.

Eligibility criteria in Zoetermeer

The requirements for orphan's pension for children are:

1. The deceased parent was entitled to AOW or Anw.
2. The child is under 18 (or up to 20 if studying).
3. Residence in the Netherlands or an EU/treaty country, as for many Zoetermeer expats.
4. No excess personal income (Anw threshold).

AOW versus Anw

Amounts and duration

In 2024, AOW and Anw orphan's pension amount to approximately €243 gross per month per child in Zoetermeer. A cap applies for multiple children. Duration:

• Up to 18: Standard.
• 18-20: For full-time study without employment.
• After 20: Ends, except in cases of disability.

Employer pension can amount to 40-70% of the parent's pension.

Examples from Zoetermeer

Example 1: A father from Zoetermeer (55) passes away; he worked locally with a pension scheme. Children (16/14) receive Anw (€243 each) plus €300 employer pension: €1,086 net for the family.

Example 2: Mother with AOW dies; 17-year-old child receives benefit until 18, extended to 20 while studying at Rokusbaan College.

Example 3: Both parents deceased: Double orphan's pension, no partner benefit.

Rights and obligations

Rights:

• Information upon death.
• Backdated to date of death.
• Objection (within 6 weeks); appeal to the District Court Zoetermeer.

Obligations:

• Report changes (address via Municipality of Zoetermeer, studies/income).
• Repay overpayments.
• Provide certificates (birth/death).

Frequently asked questions

Tips for Zoetermeer

Maximize orphan's pension for children:

• Report death to SVB (0900-0920)/UWV and Municipality of Zoetermeer.
• Check mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl.
• Visit the Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer for free advice.
• Combine with local arrangements.