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.
What is survivors' pension?
Survivors' pension is a benefit that your loved ones receive if you pass away. It has two variants:
- Partner pension: a monthly benefit for your partner
- Orphan's pension: a financial contribution for your children
Different forms of survivors' pension
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Accrual system | You accrue a portion of the partner pension annually |
| Risk form | Coverage only during your employment, without accrual |
| Capital payout | A one-time lump sum instead of periodic payments |
What is the amount of partner pension?
The benefit depends on your specific pension scheme:
- Often 70% of your old-age pension
- In some cases 50% or another percentage
- Consult your annual pension statement for details
Orphan's pension: Conditions and amount
Orphan's pension supports your children up to a certain age:
- Often until 18 or 21 years
- In case of further education, sometimes extended until 27 years
- Usually 14-20% of your old-age pension per child
Legal support in Leiden
For questions about survivors' pension or disputes, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases regarding pension schemes and survivors' benefits.
Frequently asked questions about survivors' pension
Does my partner receive survivors' pension if we are not married?
In many cases yes, but you often need to explicitly register your partner with your pension fund. Check the rules of your scheme.
Does the pension stop if my partner remarries?
Generally not, but this depends on your pension scheme. Check the specific conditions.
What if my scheme does not provide survivors' pension?
Your partner may be eligible for the government's Anw benefit, provided the criteria are met.
Extra questions about survivors' pension
How do I know if I have accrued survivors' pension?
You can see this on your annual pension statement from your fund or insurer. Via MijnPensioenoverzicht.nl you can log in with DigiD for an up-to-date overview. If in doubt, contact your employer or pension administrator.
Do my children always receive orphan's pension?
Not standard. This depends on your active pension scheme at the time of death. The age limit is often between 18 and 21 years, or up to 27 if studying. Check your regulations for details.
What happens with a new job?
With a new employer, you often start a new accrual of survivors' pension. The old pension remains, but may decrease in value. Value transfer is sometimes possible; seek advice from an expert.