Two pension systems, two retirement ages

If you have worked in Belgium and also contributed to Overseas Social Security (employment outside the European Economic Area), bear in mind that you are dealing with two separate pension systems, administered by two independent institutions:

• the Federal Pension Service
• Overseas Social Security (OSS)

One significant difference is the retirement age.

Statutory retirement age at the Federal Pension Service

In Belgium, the statutory retirement age is currently undergoing change.

Here's how things stand at the moment:

• If you were born before 1 January 1960, your statutory retirement age is 65.
• If you were born between 1960 and 1963, your statutory retirement age is 66.
• If you were born in 1964 or later, your statutory retirement age is 67 (valid from 2030).

Up-to-date information can be found on the website of the Federal Pension Service (New window) .

Pension with the Overseas Social Security (OSS)

With the OSS, the retirement age is 65, independent of changes at the Federal Pension Service.

This handy simulation tool allows you to check:

• how much pension you will receive with a specific contribution to the basic package, or
• how much you must contribute to receive a specific pension amount.

Please note: There is a minimum and a maximum amount.

The pension is based on the capitalisation principle. Your pension amount is determined by four factors:

• the amount of your contributions
• the number of years you have paid contributions
• your age when you start paying contributions
• your age when you retire

If you take early retirement between the ages of 60 and 64, a reduction coefficient will be applied in accordance with the applicable legislation.

You combine two pension schemes

The two schemes will each calculate the pension amount to which you are entitled separately. You must submit an application to both pension services.

Your total years of service will be added together to determine the length of your career.

When you retire, you will receive two pensions.

Please note: For tax purposes, both pension amounts are added together and the total amount is taxed.

Practical tip: Make a plan for each pension scheme, note down the possible entry dates and check your accrued entitlements regularly.

If you are insured with the OSS and live in Belgium, we will send you a letter every year detailing your accrued pension entitlements. If you do not receive this letter, you can request an estimate of your pension. Soon, you will be able to do this using a special form. For the time being, please contact our Frontline by email at overseas@onss.fgov.be or by telephone on +32 2 509 90 99.

Are you unsure about your pension entitlements or would you like to find out more?

Please contact the pension services. Visit the following pages:

• the OSS contact page
• the Federal Pension Service contact page (New window)