Entitlement to pension

The bridging allowance can only be paid if and as long as no entitlement to a full reduced earning capacity pension or to a full standard old-age pension (even with deductions) exists.

If one of these pensions is not claimed, even though it could be, the entitlement to a bridging allowance no longer exists. In such a case, a separate decision will be taken on a possible payment of a deduction compensation.

The benefit paid before reaching the standard minimum pensionable age is paid in addition to a full, unreduced old-age pension before reaching the standard retirement age. The amount of this benefit is limited to half of the old-age pension granted.

The benefits paid after reaching the standard minimum pensionable age are paid while a full old-age pension is drawn provided that the standard minimum pension age has been reached. They are calculated, similar to the bridging allowance (56 years of age), in the same way as a standard minimum pensionable age. The amount is also limited to 50 per cent. The calculation is based on the individual standard minimum pensionable age.

The benefits paid before and after reaching the standard minimum pensionable age are on principle only granted for no more than 24 months. Resuming work as a seafarer after benefits have started before or after reaching the standard minimum pensionable age has no effect on the receipt of benefits.