We hope, of course, that you will retire in good health, and that you can enjoy your pension for years to come. But what if you pass away? In that case, it’s comforting to know that everything is well organised for your partner and children, if applicable. Even with the new pension rules.

This is how it will work
If you pass away and leave behind a partner, your partner will receive a benefit from us: the partner’s pension. Do you also have children? In that case, each child will receive an orphan’s pension until they reach the age of 25. Your salary will determine the amount of the partner’s pension and orphan’s pension.

Another important change: under the new scheme, you will not accrue a partner’s pension or orphan’s pension. Instead, these pensions will be insured for you. If you leave the sector and don’t accrue a pension with a new employer, the insurance will continue for a maximum of six months, without you having to pay for it. If you receive unemployment or sickness benefits, you will continue to be insured for as long as the benefit is paid, with a maximum of two years. You can also continue the insurance at your own expense. From that moment on, we will deduct the costs from your pension pot.

Additional security for your partner
Under the new scheme, you can still opt for a temporary additional partner’s pension (also known as the surviving dependants’ shortfall pension). You or your employer will pay a monthly premium for this insurance. With this, your partner will receive an additional benefit if you pass away. That is, on top of the normal partner’s pension, and on top of any surviving dependants’ benefit from the government. The temporary additional partner’s pension will continue until your partner reaches the state pension age. ●

Your partner and children will receive the following if you pass away

While you are working in this sector

• Your partner will receive 20 percent of the salary that counts towards your pension, plus the partner’s pension that you may have accrued under the old scheme. Together, these will form the lifelong partner’s pension.
• In addition, your partner will receive a temporary benefit of 5,000 euros per year. This benefit will stop as soon as your partner reaches the state pension age.
• Each child will receive 10 percent of the salary that counts towards your pension. If the other parent has also passed away, each child will receive 20 percent. In addition, your children will receive the orphan’s pension that you may have accrued under the old scheme. The monthly benefit will end when your child reaches the age of 25.

After you retire

• The partner’s pension amounts to 50 percent of your pension, unless you and your partner choose a different distribution at the start of your pension. The partner’s pension is paid from your pension pot. If you do not have a partner when you retire, your pension will automatically increase.

Question for the pension consultant
ROB VAN DER WAL

Can the partner’s pension and orphan’s pension also increase or decrease once a year?

‘Yes, once the partner’s and orphan’s pensions have started, they can increase or decrease once a year. This works the same as with your pension, with the same protective measures.’