Survivors' pension provides financial support to your partner and children after your death. This is often part of pension schemes, but the conditions and coverage can vary significantly.
What is survivors' pension?
Survivors' pension is a benefit intended for your family members after your death. 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 |
|---|---|
| Accumulation system | You save annually a portion of the partner pension |
| Risk scheme | Coverage only during your employment, without accumulation |
| Lump-sum payment | A one-time amount 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 fixed percentage
- Consult your annual pension statement for the exact figures
Orphan's pension: Conditions and duration
Orphan's pension supports children up to a certain age:
- Usually until 18 or 21 years
- In case of continued study, sometimes until 27 years
- Often between 14% and 20% of the old-age pension per child
Frequently asked questions about survivors' pension
Does my partner receive survivors' pension if we are not married?
In many cases yes, but this often needs to be explicitly registered with your pension fund. Check the rules of your scheme.
Does the pension stop if my partner remarries?
With most funds no, but this varies per scheme. Check the specific conditions.
What if I have no entitlement to survivors' pension?
Your partner may be able to claim under the General Survivors Act (Anw) of the government, provided the criteria are met.
Practical questions about survivors' pension
How do I see if I have accumulated survivors' pension?
You can find this in your annual pension statement from your fund or insurer. MijnPensioenoverzicht.nl also offers a convenient overview via DigiD. Here you can see if there is coverage, whether it is an accumulation or risk scheme, and what the estimated benefit is. If in doubt, contact your employer or pension administrator.
Do my children always receive orphan's pension?
This is not guaranteed. It depends on whether you had an active scheme with orphan's pension at the time of death. The age limit is often between 18 and 21 years, with extension to 27 years for study. Check your regulations for details on recognition and maximum amounts.
What happens with a new job?
With a career switch, you often start a new scheme with your new employer. The old pension remains, but may decrease in value due to inflation. Value transfer is sometimes possible, but not always advantageous. Compare the schemes and seek advice from your new fund or a financial expert.
Can I arrange extra coverage?
Yes, via an annuity or bank savings you can save for your survivors yourself. A term life insurance policy also provides a one-time benefit. Get informed about costs and tax rules before deciding.
How is this pension taxed?
Survivors' pension falls under box 1 and is taxed as income. Your partner pays income tax at the progressive rate. AOW or Anw benefits are not reduced. For children, a lower rate often applies. Ask your fund if wage tax is withheld.
What to do in the event of my partner's death?
Inform the pension fund or insurer immediately after the death. Provide documents such as a death certificate and proof of relationship. After an application form, the benefit often follows within a few weeks to months.
Can I transfer my pension?
No, survivors' pension is strictly personal and cannot be assigned to others.
Legal support in Utrecht
For questions or disputes about survivors' pension, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. You can also submit matters to the District Court Midden-Nederland, located at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.