BBZ - Belgian old age pension (Rustpensioen)

In Belgium, the state old age pension is called Rustpensioen. If you have worked in Belgium, you will be entitled to this pension. If you live in the Netherlands, you have to claim the pension via the SVB.

From what age can you start to receive your Belgian old age pension?

The standard pensionable age is 65, but you can start to receive your pension from an earlier age if you have built up pension rights for a sufficient number of years (carreer condition). This includes any years in which you built up rights to a pension in a country other than Belgium.

• In 2012, you can take early retirement when you reach the age of 60 and have accrued pension rights for 35 years or more.
• If your Belgian pension starts on or after 1 January 2013, a higher minimum age and other career conditions will apply. For more information, consult the RVP news report Pension reforms.
  

How much old age pension will you get?

The amount of your Belgian old age pension depends on:

• the number of years you have worked in Belgium, and
• the salary you earned each year. 

The National Pensions Office (RVP) will look at your average wage in Belgium over the years. If you are a single person, your pension will be around 60% of your average wage. If you have a partner who does not have any income, you will get around 75% of your average wage. The RVP will convert the wages you received in the past to what they would be worth today. You can use the following formula to calculate your pension entitlement for each year:

General pension entitlement for each year:

General pension entitlement for each year

Your pension will be based on your earnings of up to € 47,960.29 per year. If you earn more, the amount exceeding this limit will not be taken into account for the calculation of your pension.

Holiday allowance

You will get holiday allowance as from the second year in which you receive a pension. Holiday allowance is paid by the RVP in May, provided your pension is also payable in that month. The holiday allowance can never be more than your monthly pension amount. For high pensions, the holiday allowance is limited to a maximum amount.The maximum gross holiday allowance is:

• € 739.70 for pensioners living with a partner, or

• € 591.75 for single pensioners.

Earning money while receiving a pension

Below are the maximum gross amounts you are allowed to earn each year in addition to your old age pension. If you earn more, your pension will be reduced.

Maximum allowed gross earnings per year as an employed person

Maximum allowed gross earnings per year as a self-employed person