The pension for a surviving spouse often involves questions about the significance of reaching the age of 50 and the duration of the marriage. Below, I have attempted to briefly outline the main rules for a surviving spouse's pension.
Widow's pension
The death of a spouse can be a difficult time not only emotionally but also financially. The purpose of a widow's or widower's pension is to provide financial support and security to the surviving spouse during a period of change in their life. In Finland, the average widow's or widower's pension is around €560–€590 per month. Factors such as the survivor's own income, pensions, and the number of children affect the amount.
Currently, to receive a widow's pension, one must have been married.
A widow's pension cannot be granted if a divorce was pending at the time of the spouse's death.
Currently, a cohabiting partner does not receive a survivor's pension. This rule is planned to be changed and a legislative project is underway.
The right to a widow's pension if the spouses have joint children
If a widow or widower has a child in common with their deceased spouse, they are entitled to a survivor's pension if the marriage was entered into before the age of 65.
A childless spouse's right to a widow's pension
In order for a childless person to receive a widow's pension, they must have been married before the widow turned 50 and the spouse had turned 65.
Exception to the age rule: A childless female widow, born before 1 July 1950 and married before 1 July 1990, may receive a widow's pension even if the marriage was entered into after she had already reached the age of 50.
In addition to the age of marriage, the marriage must have lasted at least five years before the death of a spouse, and the surviving spouse must be at least 50 years old at the time of the death.
Any surviving spouse aged 50 or over can receive a survivor's pension if they received a disability pension under pension laws for at least three years when they were widowed.
Article drafted by the AdvocateTuula Rainto, Asoianajotoimisto Amos. You can always call him free of charge, tel. 010 299 5090. You can see our price list Here.
Related articles:
How do you protect the position of a widow or widower with a mutual will?