Orphan's Pension Explained for Rotterdam Residents

Orphan's Pension: Support for Children in Rotterdam After a Parent's Death

Orphan's pension provides financial support to children in Rotterdam who have lost a parent. It offers a monthly benefit until the child turns 18 or completes their studies. Orphans receive this allowance through the General Survivors Act (Anw) and employer pension schemes. This article from Rechtshulp, an initiative of Arslan Advocaten, is tailored for Rotterdam residents and points the way to local resources like the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

What Does Orphan's Pension Mean for Rotterdam Families?

Orphan's pension, or orphan's benefit, is a survivor's benefit for children under 18 or students up to age 27. It compensates for income loss due to a parent's death. Key types:

• Anw orphan's benefit: Applied for at the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), based on the deceased's AOW state pension.
• Orphan's pension from pension fund: Additional benefits via the employer's pension scheme, such as those at Rotterdam port companies.

These can be combined. In 2024, for example, the Anw benefit is €390.17 net per month for a single child (amounts are adjusted annually).

Legal Rules for Orphan's Pension

Benefits are governed by national laws:

1. General Survivors Act (Anw): Chapter 3, Articles 24-30, for basic benefits to children of AOW-insured individuals.
2. Pension Act (Pw): Article 72 requires funds to provide orphan's pensions, often 40-70% of the parent's pension.
3. WIA and Sickness Benefits Act: Temporary benefits if the parent was ill or work-disabled.

Funds like ABP, PFZW, or bpfBOUW (relevant for Rotterdam construction and port workers) handle this. Check the deceased's pension overview or seek advice from the Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

Conditions for Receiving Orphan's Pension in Rotterdam

For Rotterdam children, these requirements apply:

• Age under 18, or 18-27 if in education (no full-time job).
• Deceased was Anw-insured (AOW) or had a pension.
• Residence in the Netherlands or EU (with conditions).
• Family income below the Anw threshold of €25,000 gross per year (2024).

Stepchildren and foster children have equal rights.

Comparison of Anw and Pension Fund Benefits in Rotterdam

Aspect	Anw Orphan's Benefit	Pension Fund Orphan's Pension
Applicant	SVB	Employer's Pension Fund
Amount	Fixed: approx. €390 net (2024)	Variable: 20-40% of parent's pension
Duration	Until 18 or 27 if studying	Similar, sometimes shorter
Income Test	Yes, strict	No or lenient

How Much Orphan's Pension and for How Long in Practice?

Amounts vary:

• Anw: €390.17 for first child, €195.09 for subsequent children (net, 2024).
• Pension fund: Typically 30% of parent's pension per child, e.g., €200-€500 gross.

It runs until age 18, or 27 if studying (vocational, higher professional, or university). Ends upon completion of studies. Adjusted annually for wages/prices.

Examples of Orphan's Pension for Rotterdam Children

Example 1: Lisa (12) from Rotterdam-Zuid loses her father, a port worker with bpfBOUW pension. Anw (€390) + fund benefit (€280) = €670 net until age 18.

Example 2: Tim (20), an HBO student in Rotterdam, mother deceased. With €10,000 in side earnings, Anw continues (below threshold), plus €320 fund benefit until graduation.

Example 3: Both parents deceased: No doubling, but possible SVB supplement.

Rights and Obligations with Orphan's Pension

Rights:

• Automatic notification by SVB after death.
• Back payments for late claims (up to 1 year).
• Objection/appeal via Rotterdam District Court (Rechtspraak.nl).

Obligations:

• Report death within 8 days to Rotterdam Municipality for death certificate.
• Report changes: studies, income, address.
• Prove income.

Failure to report? Repayment may be required. Help available at Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

Applying for Orphan's Pension as a Rotterdam Resident

1. Report death to SVB (Mijn SVB online) and pension fund; obtain certificate from Rotterdam Municipality.
2. Submit death certificate, child's birth certificate, IBAN.
3. Decision within 8 weeks.
4. Pension fund? See Pension and Death or call Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orphan's Pension in Rotterdam

Do I Get Orphan's Pension Without Parental Pension?

No for pension funds, but yes for Anw if AOW-insured. Check UWV or Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for extras.

Until What Age for Orphan's Pension?

Until 18 automatically, 18-27 if studying (MBO/HBO/university), no full-time work. Proof required.

Can I Work Alongside Orphan's Pension?

Yes, but Anw income below €25,000 gross (2024). Funds are more lenient.

Divorce or Stepparent?

Stepchildren qualify if living together. Anw often stops after remarriage unless adoption. Ask Juridisch Loket Rotterdam.