Orphan's Pension Explained for Amsterdammers

Orphan's Pension: Financial Support for Amsterdam Children After a Parent's Death

Orphan's pension provides financial assistance to children in Amsterdam when a parent dies. It offers a monthly benefit until the child turns 18 or completes their studies. Orphans receive this support through the General Survivors Act (Anw) and employer pension schemes. This article from Rechtshulp, an initiative of Arslan Advocaten, fully informs Amsterdam residents. For questions, call the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for free advice.

What is an Orphan's Pension in Amsterdam?

An orphan's pension, or orphan's benefit, is a survivor's pension for minors or studying young adults in Amsterdam. It compensates for income loss due to a parent's death. Two main types:

• Anw orphan's benefit: Applied for at the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), based on the deceased's State Pension (AOW).
• Pension fund orphan's pension: Additional benefits via the employer's pension scheme, such as for the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Both can be combined. In 2024, for example, the Anw benefit is €390.17 net per month for an only child (amounts adjusted annually).

Legal Basis for Orphan's Pension

These schemes are enshrined in Dutch law:

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 like ABP (for public sector employees in Amsterdam) to provide orphan's pensions of 40-70% of the parent's pension.
3. WIA and Sickness Benefits Act: Temporary benefits if the parent was ill or disabled.

Check the deceased's pension overview. Pension funds must include this in their regulations.

Eligibility for Orphan's Pension in Amsterdam

Children in Amsterdam qualify if:

• They are under 18, or 18-27 and studying (no full-time job).
• The deceased was insured under Anw (AOW) or had a pension.
• The child resides in the Netherlands, Amsterdam, or the EU (with conditions).
• Household income below the Anw threshold of €25,000 gross (2024).

Stepchildren and foster children have equal rights.

Comparison of Anw and Pension Fund Benefits in Amsterdam Context

Aspect	Anw Orphan's Benefit	Pension Fund Orphan's Pension
Applicant	Social Insurance Bank (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 Amsterdam?

The amount varies:

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

It continues until age 18, or 27 if studying (vocational, higher professional, or university). It ends upon completion of studies and is indexed to wages/prices.

Real-Life Examples of Orphan's Pension in Amsterdam

Example 1: Lisa (12) from Amsterdam-West loses her father, an employee of the Municipality of Amsterdam (ABP). She receives Anw (€390) + ABP orphan's pension (€250): total €640 net until age 18.

Example 2: Tim (20), an HBO student in Amsterdam-East, mother deceased. With €10,000 in part-time earnings, Anw continues (below threshold), plus €300 fund benefit until graduation.

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

Rights and Obligations for Orphan's Pension

Rights:

• Automatic notification by SVB after death.
• Back payments for late applications (up to 1 year).
• Objection/appeal at the Amsterdam District Court (via rechtspraak.nl).

Obligations:

• Report death within 8 days to the Municipality of Amsterdam and SVB.
• Notify changes: studies, income, address.
• Prove income.

Failure to report may lead to recovery of payments.

Applying for Orphan's Pension in Amsterdam

1. Report death to the Municipality of Amsterdam for death certificate, then SVB (Mijn SVB) and pension fund.
2. Submit death certificate, child's birth certificate, IBAN.
3. Decision within 8 weeks.
4. Consult Pension and Death or Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orphan's Pension in Amsterdam

Do I get an orphan's pension without a parent's pension?

No, Anw requires AOW insurance. Anw as base only; check UWV or Juridisch Loket Amsterdam for extras.

Until what age is orphan's pension paid?

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

Can I work alongside orphan's pension?

Yes, income under €25,000 gross (2024) for Anw. Funds apply milder tests.

In case of divorce or stepparent?

Stepchildren qualify if living together. Anw often stops after remarriage, unless adopted or special rules apply.