Orphan's Pension for Children in Westland

Orphan's Pension for Children in Westland

In Westland, orphan's pension provides vital financial support for children who have lost a parent. This benefit continues until the child turns 18 or becomes self-sufficient. It falls under national social security schemes such as AOW, Anw or occupational pension. For Westland residents, we explain what orphan\'s pension for children involves, the eligibility criteria and the application process, including local tips from Het Juridisch Loket Westland.

What is orphan's pension?

Orphan's pension for children offers a monthly allowance following the death of a parent to offset income loss and ensure stability. There are three main types:

• AOW orphan's pension: For children of parents entitled to AOW.
• Anw orphan's pension: Under the General Survivors Act for children of insured parents.
• Occupational pension: Additional benefits via the employer's pension scheme, common in Westland sectors like greenhouse horticulture.

The benefit often starts automatically or upon application and typically ends at age 18, though it may continue longer during studies.

Legal framework

The foundation for orphan\'s pension for children lies in these laws:

• General Old Age Act (AOW): Articles 29-33 for AOW orphan's pension, mainly for children born before 1950.
• General Survivors Act (Anw): Chapter 4 (articles 24-30) for the primary benefit post-1950.
• Pension Act: From article 72, requirements for survivors' pensions from funds.
• Collective labour agreements (CAOs) and arrangements: Sector-specific CAOs in Westland, such as horticulture, often provide higher amounts.

SVB administers AOW benefits, UWV handles Anw benefits, and pension funds manage supplementary portions. Westland residents can get advice on these schemes from Het Juridisch Loket Westland.

Eligibility criteria for orphan's pension

To qualify for orphan\'s pension for children, the following conditions apply:

1. The deceased parent had (or would have had) AOW or Anw entitlements.
2. The child is under 18 (or up to 20 if in full-time education).
3. Residence in the Netherlands, EU or treaty country.
4. No excessively high personal income (Anw threshold).

AOW vs Anw

Amount and duration

For 2024, AOW and Anw orphan's pension is approximately €243 gross per month per child; multiple children may be subject to a cap. Duration:

• Up to 18: Standard.
• 18-20: If studying and low income.
• After 20: Ends, except in cases of disability.

Westland occupational pensions can reach 40-70% of the parent's pension.

Real-life examples

Example 1: A greenhouse horticulturalist from Westland dies at age 55. Their children (aged 16 and 14) receive Anw orphan's pension (€243 each) plus €300 occupational pension. Total approx. €1,086 net per month.

Example 2: An AOW recipient from 's-Gravenzande passes away. Their 17-year-old child receives the benefit until 18, extending to 20 if studying.

Example 3: Both parents deceased: Double orphan's pension, without partner supplement.

Rights and obligations

Rights:

• Notification letter after death report.
• Backdated to date of death.
• Objection within 6 weeks; if denied, appeal to Westland District Court.

Obligations:

• Report changes in address, studies or income.
• Repay any overpayments.
• Provide certificates (birth, death).

Frequently asked questions

Tips for Westland residents

Maximize orphan\'s pension for children:

• Report immediately: Death to SVB (0900-0920), UWV and Municipality of Westland.
• Pension check: Via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl.
• Combine benefits: Stack with local schemes; consult Het Juridisch Loket Westland for free tailored legal advice.
• Objection: If unhappy, first contact UWV/SVB, then Westland District Court.