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 case a separate decision will be taken on a possible payment of a deduction compensation.

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

The benefits paid after reaching the standard minimum pensionable age are on principle only granted for not more than 24 months, with periods of renewed employment in the seafaring industry excluded.