It goes without saying that we hope you will be able to enjoy your pension for many years to come. But what if you pass away? In that case, it’s comforting to know that everything is well organised for your partner and young children, if applicable. Even with the new pension rules.

Security for your partner
You may have opted for a partner’s pension when you retired. If you pass away and you have a partner, your partner will receive a lifelong monthly benefit from us.  

The arrangements for this will remain in place. For example, if you opted for a partner’s pension amounting to 50 percent of your own pension when you retired, nothing will change in that regard.  

If you start a relationship after your pension has commenced, you cannot register your partner for the partner’s pension retrospectively.

Security for your young children
What if you pass away and have young children? In that case, just like now, your children will receive a monthly benefit from us: the orphan’s pension. Each child will receive 15 percent of your pension (assuming that you have not increased your pension with partner’s pension on retirement, or vice versa). If the other parent has also passed away, each child will receive 30 percent. In addition, your child will receive the orphan’s pension that you accrued under the old scheme. The benefit will stop when your child reaches the age of 25.

If you have opted for additional security for your partner
You may have opted for a temporary additional partner’s pension for your partner, also known as the surviving dependants’ shortfall pension. With this, your partner will receive an additional benefit if you pass away. That is, on top of the normal partner’s pension, and on top of any surviving dependants’ benefit from the government. The temporary additional partner’s pension will continue until your partner reaches the state pension age. Your partner will therefore not receive this benefit for life.

If you did not opt for a temporary additional partner’s pension from PME during your working life, you cannot opt for this now or in the future. ●

Are you currently receiving a partner’s pension from PME?
No pension for any potential new partner has been reserved with PME. Do you have a job? Check what has been arranged through your employer for your family in the event of your death.

Question for the pension consultant
ROB VAN DER WAL

Can the partner’s pension and orphan’s pension also increase or decrease once a year?

‘Yes, once the partner’s and orphan’s pensions have started, they can increase or decrease once a year. This works the same as with your pension, with the same protective measures.’