What does a partner receive?
The deceased’s retirement pension does not automatically continue for the partner. A separate partner pension may pay out if the conditions are met. Ask the administrator about death before and after retirement, as different cover can apply. A will does not independently determine who qualifies for a pension.
Under the new rules, partner pension on death before retirement is risk-based and may be at most 50% of pensionable salary. This is a fiscal maximum, not an automatic 50% payment. Agreed cover may be lower or absent. Existing accrued rights and transitional rules require separate assessment. A general standard of 70% of retirement pension does not describe every scheme.
Cohabitation and a former partner
Register unmarried cohabitation promptly and obtain confirmation of the conditions. Lack of advance registration does not make entitlement after death impossible in every situation. In qualifying new arrangements, the surviving partner may substantiate the joint household retrospectively under specified conditions. Ask the administrator what evidence is required.
A former partner may have a right to a special partner pension. This differs from dividing retirement pension and does not arise only through an express agreement. Check existing rights, waivers and the impact on the current partner with the administrator.
Children and leaving a scheme
Under the new rules, orphan pension runs until age 25 where the scheme provides it; older rights may have different conditions. Check the definition of an eligible child too. Risk cover may end when employment ends, but extended cover, continuation during benefits or voluntary continuation may apply. Assume neither immediate termination nor unlimited cover.
Assess Anw separately
The deceased generally must have been insured for Anw. The survivor must, among other conditions, be below AOW age and either care for a child under 18 or be at least 45% incapacitated for work. Further conditions apply. Personal income can affect the benefit, but a partner pension from a fund or insurer is not deducted from Anw.
Request a written overview of expected payments, tax and the application process. Ask the administrator and SVB which notifications remain necessary; Dutch records are often shared automatically, while foreign circumstances may require additional action.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Wtp guarantee 50% of salary?
No. For partner pension before retirement, 50% is a maximum. Actual cover follows your scheme.
Is partner pension deducted from Anw?
According to SVB, a widow’s, widower’s or partner pension from a pension fund or insurer is not deducted from Anw.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.