After the passing of a spouse, the surviving partner may qualify for a survivor's pension, which represents a portion of the retirement pension the deceased received or was entitled to. This benefit is administered by Social Security and relevant supplementary schemes based on the deceased's employment history. Even retirees receiving their own pension can claim it, subject to income thresholds that ensure fairness and sustainability.
Upon a pensioner's death, both basic and supplementary schemes provide a survivor's pension to the spouse, typically 54% of the deceased's basic pension for private sector employees, around 60% for private supplementary schemes, and 50% for civil service pensions.
This benefit isn't automatic—the survivor must apply through Retirement Insurance and meet key criteria, including a minimum age of 55 (varying slightly by scheme). Marriage to the deceased is required; civil partnerships or cohabitation do not qualify.
Basic schemes for private sector, liberal professions, self-employed, and agricultural workers apply means-testing. Civil service schemes, however, pay without resource limits.
Retired survivors have the right to claim a survivor's pension alongside their own retirement benefits. Most schemes (except civil service) assess total income, including the survivor's basic and supplementary pensions.
For basic schemes, eligibility requires annual income below €21,320 if living alone or €34,112 as a couple. Resources for those 55+ receive a 30% abatement in calculations.
If under thresholds, the full survivor's pension applies. Otherwise, it's reduced by the excess amount over the ceiling, ensuring support where truly needed.
