My state pension will start later due to the higher state pension age. How can I bridge the period until I receive the pension?

To whom does the bridging scheme apply?

You can use the bridging scheme if you received an allowance before 1 January 2013 under any of the following schemes:

• early retirement (VUT) or pre-pension;
• transitional pension;
• job-related early retirement;
• partner’s pension;
• private incapacity insurance for (former) self-employed persons;
• private shortfall insurance or pension under the Surviving Dependants Act (ANW);
• private insurance under the Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA) or the work resumption benefit for persons partially capable of work (WGA);
• periodic payment of severance pay;
• income from a life-course savings scheme;
• redundancy pay under a redundancy pay scheme;
• a foreign benefit equivalent to one of these schemes.

Income threshold for bridging scheme

The bridging scheme applies to people with an income of up to 200% of the gross statutory minimum wage (300% for couples).
To determine whether you are eligible, take your income and assets and, if applicable, add your partner’s income. The total must not exceed the tax exemption threshold in box 3. Your home and pension assets are not included.

Bridging benefit

The bridging benefit is a benefit at minimum level. Other income, such as supplementary pension, is deducted from it. Income from employment is deducted in part.

More information on the bridging scheme is available on the SVB’s website.