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 pension age is 65, but you can start to receive a Belgian old age pension from an earlier age if you have built up pension rights for a sufficient number of years (career condition). For example, in 2013 you can start to receive an old age pension at the age of 60 and a half, provided you can prove that you have a working career of at least 38 years.

This includes any years in which you built up rights to a pension in a country other than Belgium. Periods in which you built up rights to a Dutch AOW pension always count towards your total working career, even if you did not work in these periods.

How much Belgian 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. You will normally get a pension for a single person of 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. This is known as a family pension. 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

For 2012, your pension will be based on earnings of up to € 51,092.44 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 large pensions, the holiday allowance is limited to a maximum amount.The maximum gross holiday allowance is:

• € 739.70 for pensioners who are entitled to a family pension, or
• € 591.75, if you get a pension at the rate for a single person.

Earning money while receiving a Belgian old age pension

If you receive a Belgian old age pension (rustpensioen) and you start working, either in paid employment or as a self-employed person, the RVP may reduce or stop paying your pension.

Threshold amounts