You are separating.
Separating is tough. Alongside all the emotions, there are a lot of arrangements to make. Including for your pension. It is wise to ensure the arrangements are clear. This will avoid surprises later on.
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You are separating.
What will happen to your pension pot if you separate?
You have several options:
What will happen to your pension pot if you separate?
Not dividing the pension:
If you agreed not to divide your pension pot:
➡️Send us a copy of the divorce agreement or the prenuptial/partnership agreement in which this is laid down.
Did you get divorced more than two years ago? Then your ex must also sign.
Not dividing the pension:
Dividing the pension:
If you agreed to divide your pension pot: Your ex will receive the agreed share of your pension benefit once your pension starts.
➡️in that case, complete and send us the form ‘Notification form on the division of retirement pension on separation or divorce’.
Dividing the pension:
When dividing the pension, you can opt for:
- 50/50 division over the marriage period or registered partnership period. When your pension starts, your ex will receive half of that pension;
- 50/50 division over another period, for example including the years you lived together before marriage.
- Another division, for example 30% for your ex.
When dividing the pension, you can opt for:
Tip: If you are unsure which arrangements work best for you both, always ask a pension advisor for guidance.
Tip: If you are unsure which arrangements work best for you both, always ask a pension advisor for guidance.
Conversion
With conversion, your ex will receive their own pension entitlement, separate from yours. Your ex’s pension will then completely independent of your pension. It is then up to your ex to decide when the pension starts.
⚖️Note: A new law will make Conversion the default. It is not yet known when it will take effect.
Will you not make any arrangements?
Then you ex will automatically be entitled to a 50/50 division of the pension accrued during your marriage or registered partnership. When your pension starts, we pay the full pension to you. Transferring your ex’s share to your ex is your responsibility.
Will you not make any arrangements?
Exceptions:
You will not have to make any arrangements if:
- You did not accrue pension during the marriage or partnership.
- The pension for your ex after division is lower than €613.52 (amount for 2025).
Exceptions:
If you divide the pension pot, check what this means for your future plans.
You will have less pension left, so you may need to save extra for later.
👉 Make sure you get proper advice so you don’t face any surprises later
If you divide the pension pot, check what this means for your future plans.
Partner’s pension
What happens to the partner’s pension when you separate?
- Transitional provision: Did you accrue pension with us before 1 January 2027?
Then there is a separate pension pot for that partner’s pension.
➡️After the divorce, we will set that part aside for your ex. Your ex will receive this pension upon your death. - Partner’s pension if you pass away before retirement
From 1 January 2027 onwards, the partner’s pension for your ex lapses when you separate. - Partner’s pension if you pass away after retirement
When you retire, you may choose to use part of your pension pot for partner’s pension.
➡️ If you divorce, we will set that part aside for your ex. Your ex will receive this pension if you pass away after retirement.
Note: be aware of the fact that in that case, if you have a new partner at a later time, they will not receive the full partner’s pension if you pass away after retirement. You may need to make additional arrangements for your new partner.
What happens to the partner’s pension when you separate?
Does your ex not want the partner’s pension?
Then your ex can waive that right.
Record this in your divorce agreement or prenuptial/partnership agreement, or by using the form below:
Does your ex not want the partner’s pension?
