Marriage or cohabitation
Are you going to get marry or move in together? Congratulations! Now that you are going to build a future together, it is good to consider a number of things. One of these is your pension. Will there be enough for the dreams of the future you both share? And is your partner already registered for a survivor's pension? Below you can read what you should consider.
Think about how much you will need later on
You and your partner often both accrue a pension. This can consist of pension that you accrue via your employer, but your AOW pension also counts for what you will have to spend in the future. Think together about what your future plans are and what you think you’ll need. For example, how high will your living costs be in the future? Will you have (partially) paid off the mortgage by then or do you have a rented house? If you are still coming up a little short, there are several ways to set extra money aside. View our 3 extra saving tips here.
Survivor's pension for your partner
Are you accruing a pension via your employer? Many pension schemes include a separate scheme for survivors. In the event of death, your partner will receive a monthly amount. This is called a partner's pension. In most cases, something is also arranged for surviving children, who are then entitled to an orphan's pension. Would you like to see how much your surviving relatives will receive? Then check the page In the event of death.
Is your partner registered for a partner's pension?
Your partner is usually only entitled to survivor's pension if he or she has been registered with the pension provider. After your marriage or registered partnership, the municipality will automatically inform the pension provider that you have a partner. Do double check this. If you are going to live together, you usually have to take action yourself and register your partner. You often need a cohabitation agreement for this, drawn up by a civil-law notary.
Marriage and cohabitation after your retirement
Do you not have a partner as you retire? Then there is no right to a partner’s pension. If you marry, enter into a registered partnership or start living together after your retirement, your new partner will also no longer receive a partner's pension.
Good to know: if you do not have a partner right before your retirement date, you can exchange your accrued partner's pension for a higher old-age pension.
Pension and ex-partners
You probably have not thought about it yet, but even if you separate, it will have consequences for your pension. This is because your ex-partner is entitled to the accrued partner's pension. In addition, he or she will receive part of your old-age pension that has been accrued during the marriage. This only applies if you are married or have a registered partnership. This will reduce your pension. You can of course also make other arrangements about this. Would you like to find out exactly how it works? Watch our animated video about divorce settlements or the page Separation.
Would you like to know more about partner's pension, marriage or cohabitation? Or how exactly to register your partner? Please contact your pension provider(s).
