Orphan’s Pension: Financial Support for Children in Tilburg After a Parent’s Death
Orphan’s pension provides monthly financial assistance to children in Tilburg whose parent has died, until they reach adulthood or while studying. This is available through the General Surviving Dependants Act (Anw) and employer pension schemes. This article from Rechtshulp, an initiative of Arslan Advocaten, fully informs residents of Tilburg. For questions: call the Juridisch Loket Tilburg for free legal advice.
What is Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg?
Orphan’s pension, or orphan’s benefit, is a survivor’s pension for minors or students in Tilburg. It compensates for loss of income due to a parent’s death. There are two types:
- Anw orphan’s benefit: Paid by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB), based on the deceased’s AOW state pension.
- Pension fund orphan’s pension: Additional benefits from the deceased parent’s employer pension scheme.
Legal Basis for Orphan’s Pension
Regulated under Dutch law:
- Anw (General Surviving Dependants Act): Chapter 3, Articles 24-30: basis for children of AOW-insured parents.
- Pension Act (Pw): Article 72: pension funds must pay 40-70% of the parent’s pension as orphan’s pension.
- WIA and Sickness Benefits Act: Temporary benefits if parent was ill or disabled.
Eligibility for Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg
Children in Tilburg qualify if:
- Under 18, or 18-27 and studying (no full-time job).
- Deceased was Anw-insured (AOW) or had a pension scheme.
- Residing in the Netherlands/EU (with conditions).
- Family income below Anw threshold (€25,000 gross/year, 2024).
Comparison: Anw vs. Pension Fund in Tilburg
| Aspect | Anw Orphan’s Benefit | Pension Fund Orphan’s Pension |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | SVB | Deceased’s employer pension fund |
| Amount | Fixed: €390 net (2024) | Variable: 20-40% of parent’s pension |
| Duration | Until 18/27 if studying | Similar, sometimes shorter |
| Income Test | Strict | None/mild |
Amount and Duration of Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg
Amount per scheme:
- Anw: €390.17 for first child, €195.09 for subsequent children (net, 2024).
- Pension fund: Often 30% of parent’s pension per child, e.g., €200-€500 gross.
Examples of Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg
Example 1: Lisa (12) from Tilburg loses her father (employee at Gemeente Tilburg, ABP). Anw €390 + ABP €250 = €640 net/month until 18.
Example 2: Tim (20), undergraduate student in Tilburg, mother deceased. Earns €10,000/year part-time: Anw continues (below threshold), fund €300 until graduation.
Example 3: Both parents deceased: no doubling, but SVB supplement possible.
Rights and Obligations for Orphan’s Pension
Rights:
- Automatic notification from SVB after death.
- Retroactive claims up to 1 year.
- Objection/appeal to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda) via Rechtspraak.nl.
- Report death within 8 days.
- Update study/income/address (Gemeente Tilburg for address).
- Provide income proof.
Applying for Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg
- Apply to SVB (via Mijn SVB online) and pension fund.
- Submit death certificate, child’s birth certificate, IBAN.
- Decision within 8 weeks.
- Need help? Contact Juridisch Loket Tilburg or check Pension and Death.
FAQ: Orphan’s Pension in Tilburg
Do I get orphan’s pension without a parent’s pension?
No, Anw requires AOW coverage. Anw as base only. UWV for extras; contact Juridisch Loket Tilburg.
Up to what age?
Until 18 automatically. 18-27 if studying (vocational, undergraduate, graduate), no full-time work. Proof required.
Can I work alongside the benefit?
Yes, but under €25,000 gross/year (2024) for Anw. Pension funds are more lenient.
In case of divorce/stepparent?
Stepchildren qualify if living together. Anw often stops after remarriage, unless adopted or special rules apply.