Orphan's Pension Duration in Den Haag: Until When?
For residents of Den Haag, the orphan’s pension duration refers to the period during which children can claim this benefit after a parent's death. This varies for AOW orphan’s pension (via the Anw) and employer pension (via the Pension Act). It typically runs until age 18 or 21, with possible extensions for study. Read on for the exact rules, conditions, and examples relevant to families in Den Haag, plus local advice from the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
What is an orphan’s pension?
An orphan’s pension provides financial support to children after a parent’s death, particularly during their upbringing. There are two types: AOW orphan’s pension from the national insurance scheme and occupational pension orphan’s pension from employment benefits. This article focuses on duration, as a follow-up to our piece on survivors’ pension. In Den Haag, organizations like the Gemeente Den Haag offer additional supplements.
Legal Framework
The orphan’s pension duration is governed by two laws:
- General Survivors Act (Anw): for AOW orphan’s pension (arts. 56-59 Anw). Simplified version since July 1, 2024.
- Pension Act (PW): for employer pensions (arts. 68 and 75 PW). Minimum duration required, but details per fund rules.
The SVB administers AOW benefits; pension funds or insurers handle occupational pensions. Civil servants in Den Haag often fall under ABP.
Duration of AOW Orphan’s Pension (Anw)
AOW orphan’s pension normally ends in the month the child turns 18 (art. 57 Anw). No standard extension for study. Entitlement only if:
- Child under 18 at time of death.
- Both parents deceased, or deceased was a single parent (no partner/ex with custody).
Amount: 70% of the deceased’s AOW (half if one parent; full if both).
Duration of Occupational Pension Orphan’s Pension
Employer pensions offer a longer orphan’s pension duration. Standard:
- Full orphan’s pension: until age 21 (PW art. 68(2) minimum).
- Half orphan’s pension: also until 21 if one parent deceased.
Often extendable to 27 or 30 for study/unemployment, per fund rules. Notify the fund promptly.
Comparison: AOW vs. Occupational Pension
| Aspect | AOW Orphan’s Pension (Anw) | Occupational Pension (PW) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Duration | Until 18 | Until 21 |
| Study Extension | No | Yes, to 27-30 |
| Conditions | Both parents deceased or single parent | Child <21, studying/unemployed |
| Amount | €250-€500 p.m. (2024) | 30-70% of parent’s pension, variable |
| Paying Party | SVB | Pension fund/insurer |
Extension Conditions
AOW: no option. Occupational pension:
- Recognized study (MBO, HBO, WO, e.g., Haagse Hogeschool).
- Income below threshold (€15,000-€20,000/year).
- Submit proof (enrollment, payslip).
Cohabitation or full-time job usually ends extension.
Real-Life Cases from Den Haag
Case 1: AOW Orphan’s Pension
Mother from Scheveningen dies in 2024; child 16 with father. No benefit unless father follows. Then until 18.
Case 2: Extended Occupational Pension
Father (ABP participant) dies; child 19 studies at Haagse Hogeschool. Until 21, extended to 25 with part-time job under limit. Annual review.
Case 3: Ends Due to Income
Child 22 from Den Haag neighborhood lands €25,000 job: pension stops, despite study.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Automatic upon death notification.
- Backdated to date of death.
- Appeal to Rechtbank Den Haag (within 6 weeks).
Obligations:
- Report changes within one month (address, study, income, partner).
- Repay overpayments.
- Annual updates for extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until when does orphan’s pension last in Den Haag?
AOW until 18; occupational until 21 (extendable). Check your UPO or fund rules.
Can it stop during extension?
Yes, at end of study, high income, cohabitation, or max age. Timely reporting avoids fines.
Study abroad?
AOW: no if abroad. Occupational: often yes, if rules allow and income reported.
For stepchildren?
Yes, if custody and insured; check rules.
Tips for Residents of Den Haag
Maximize orphan’s pension duration:
- Check policy: Parent’s UPO and SVB-Anw entitlement.
- Report immediately: SVB (0800-4680468) or fund after death.
- Plan ahead: Build buffer; link to Den Haag supplements via Gemeente Den Haag.
- Free help: Juridisch Loket Den Haag for advice (Laan van Wateringsveld 62).
- Appeal: To Rechtbank Den Haag for disputes.