Survivor's pension
Beneficiaries and Methods of Calculation of the Survivor's pension
The reversibility pension, or survivors’ pension, is nothing more than a benefit provided by the INPS (National Institute of Social Security) which is intended for the family members of a worker or pensioner who was enrolled in one of the social security schemes managed by the INPS.
The beneficiaries of the survivor’s pension are the surviving family members. The rules governing the right to this benefit also include the calculation of the monthly amount due to the spouse, children, and equivalents. In some exceptional situations, it may also be due to the deceased’s siblings or parents.
We can say that the family members of an INPS-insured or retired individual may receive both the survivor’s pension and the so-called indirect pension. The survivor’s pension is provided to the family members of an INPS-registered retiree, while the indirect pension is granted if the deceased was not yet receiving a direct pension but had paid contributions for a certain number of years. (Pay attention to this difference.)
To determine who is eligible for the survivor’s pension, it is necessary to evaluate the relationship between the applicant and the deceased, such as spouse, child, equivalent, sibling, or parent. The specific rules vary based on these relationships.
To apply for the survivor’s pension, it is necessary to follow the instructions provided by INPS, which usually include submitting a formal application. Detailed instructions on how to submit the application can be found on the INPS website or at local INPS offices, at local patronage offices, or through us, as we can rely on other patronage offices that might assist you in this case.
As for the amount of the benefit, this depends on various factors, including the income of the deceased insured individual and the type of pension they were receiving, as well as the specific relationship between the applicant and the deceased. INPS will calculate the amount based on these variables.
In conclusion, we can say that the survivor’s pension is an important benefit provided by INPS to the surviving family members of a worker or retiree. Specific rules, requirements, and instructions for applying can be obtained directly from INPS, which will also provide details on calculating the amount.
Survivor's pension: Definition and Main Characteristics
As previously mentioned, the survivor’s pension is an allowance provided by INPS (National Institute of Social Security) for the benefit of the family members of an insured individual or retiree enrolled in one of the pension schemes managed by the institute. This allowance is calculated taking into account the degree of relationship of the surviving family members and the composition of the household.
To be entitled to the survivor’s pension, it is essential that the deceased, who was enrolled with INPS, was either receiving a direct pension or that it was in the process of being liquidated.
Regarding the survivor’s benefit, the family members of the INPS insured are entitled to the so-called “indirect pension” if the deceased worker has met one of the following requirements:
- 15 years of insurance and contributions, or at least 780 weekly contributions.
or
- Five years of insurance and contributions, or at least 260 weekly contributions, of which at least three years, or 156 weekly contributions, were accumulated in the five years preceding the date of death.
In other words, the indirect pension is intended for the family members of the deceased when the deceased had made significant contributions to the pension system but had not yet received a direct pension before their death.
Beneficiaries of the Survivor's pension: Who is entitled to it?
In general, the survivor’s pension is a benefit that is due to the following family members of the deceased worker enrolled with INPS:
- Spouse or partner in a civil union.
- Children.
- Grandchildren.
- Parents.
- Brothers and sisters.
Survivor's pension for spouse
The right to the survivor’s pension is extended to the husband or wife of the deceased pensioner, even if they were not considered dependents of the insured. Here are the details of the situations in which the right to the survivor’s pension applies:
- Spouse: The spouse is entitled to the survivor’s pension, even if legally separated from the deceased.
- Divorced spouse: A divorced spouse may be entitled to the survivor’s pension provided they meet three criteria:
- They receive periodic alimony. They have not remarried. The start date of the deceased’s insurance coverage predates the date of the judgment that pronounces the dissolution or termination of the civil effects of the marriage.
- Remarried spouse: If the spouse remarries, they forfeit the right to the survivor’s pension. However, they are entitled to a lump-sum payment, equivalent to two years’ worth of the pension amount in payment, including the thirteenth installment, as of the date of the new marriage. If the deceased entered into a new marriage after divorce, the shares due to the surviving spouse and the divorced spouse are determined by court order.
- Civil Union: Following the approval of the Cirinnà law, effective from June 5, 2016, the right to the survivor’s pension is also recognized in favor of the civil union partner.
These rules outline who is entitled to the survivor’s pension based on their relationship with the deceased, the legal status of the spouse or ex-spouse, and the date of marriage or civil union.
How it is calculated
The survivor’s pension takes effect from the first day of the month following the date of the pensioner’s death. However, it’s important to note that the beneficiary of the survivor’s pension will not receive the entire amount of the deceased pensioner’s benefit; the amount will be a percentage of the benefit originally due to the deceased. The calculation of this percentage is based on different rates of survivorship, which vary depending on the family composition. Here are the survivorship rates:
For the spouse:
- 60% without children.
- 80% with one child.
- 100% with two or more children.
What documents are needed
Our agency, with the support of other patronages, now offers this service to Italian citizens and their family members.
The required documentation includes:
- Identification card of the applicant.
- Tax code of the applicant (if not available, we can assist in obtaining it from the Embassy).
- Tax code and pension details of the deceased.
- Identification document of the deceased, which may be required to confirm identity and relationship with the beneficiary.
- Valid identification document of the beneficiary (ID card or passport) to confirm identity.
- Death certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Marriage certificate.
- Any legal separation decree (for alimony entitlement).
- Any divorce decree (for alimony entitlement).
- Any documents regarding the income of the previous year and presumed income of the current year of the applicant; a tax return may be required to assess the amount of the survivor’s pension.
- Details of the bank account where the survivor’s pension will be domiciled.
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