Survivor's pension becomes more favorable, but you must take action yourself

The Dutch Future of Pensions Act, which took effect on July 1, 2023, introduces significant changes to how survivor pensions are structured. Under the new system, survivor coverage functions similarly to insurance, where employees are protected as long as they are employed and paying premiums. While this approach benefits those who have worked for a shorter duration at a company, the coverage expires three to six months after leaving a job. To maintain protection, individuals must voluntarily arrange to continue the coverage themselves. Furthermore, while married or registered partners are generally covered automatically, those who are cohabiting must actively register their partners with their pension funds to ensure they remain entitled to benefits.

Because the transition to these rules is being phased in across pension funds until 2028, the Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) is urging funds to improve participant communication. Employees are encouraged to verify their partner registration status and understand their specific policy details to avoid potential gaps in financial protection for their survivors.