What happens to your pension upon death? Survivors in Leiden may be eligible for benefits, depending on your personal situation and pension scheme.
Death before the pension date
If you pass away before retiring:
- Your partner may be eligible for partner's pension.
- Your children may be entitled to orphan's pension.
- The exact coverage depends on the specific pension scheme (accumulation or risk).
Death after the pension date
If you pass away while already receiving pension:
- The old-age pension ceases.
- Your partner may claim partner's pension.
- The benefit often amounts to approximately 70% of the original old-age pension.
Reporting death in Leiden
In the event of a death, you must report it to:
- The pension fund for any benefits.
- The SVB for AOW and possibly Anw benefits.
- The employer, if the deceased was still employed.
Anw and survivors' pension
Survivors may be entitled to an Anw benefit (General Survivors Act) in addition to a pension benefit:
- The Anw is a government benefit.
- It is separate from employer pensions.
- Additional income may affect the amount of the Anw.
Help and advice in Leiden
For legal questions about pension and death, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases relating to pension disputes and survivors' arrangements.
Frequently asked questions about pension upon death
Will my partner receive my full pension after my death?
No, your partner usually receives partner's pension, which is often 70% of the old-age pension you received or would have received.
What happens 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?
Partly. You can register your partner with the pension fund, but it is often not possible to designate someone else.
Extra frequently asked questions
How quickly do survivors receive a benefit after my death?
The processing time varies per fund, but averages between 4 and 8 weeks. Report the death immediately to the pension fund and the SVB, and provide documents such as a death certificate to avoid delays. Ask the fund about their specific process.
What happens to my pension if I have no survivors?
Without a partner or children who qualify, the pension often reverts to the fund. In some cases, you can designate another beneficiary, but this must be arranged in advance. Consult your pension regulations or the fund.
Can I extend the partner's pension?
In some schemes, you can increase the partner's pension by paying extra premiums, for example via a supplementary insurance. Contact your pension fund or an advisor for the options in your situation.
How is partner's pension calculated upon death before pension age?
This depends on your accumulated capital or a percentage of your salary. In an accumulation scheme, it is often 70% of the old-age pension. Ask your fund for a detailed calculation.
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 scheme. Anw may be reduced with additional income, survivors' pension usually not.
Do I need to register my partner with the pension fund?
Yes, you often need to register your partner yourself to guarantee entitlement to partner's pension. This can be done via a form from the fund. Do this in time to prevent problems.
Can my ex-partner claim my pension after death?
This depends on the arrangements made during the divorce and your pension scheme. Only if this is explicitly stipulated can an ex-partner be entitled to a portion of the pension.