AOW Voluntary Insurance in Amsterdam: Close Your AOW Gap
An **AOW voluntary insurance** offers Amsterdammers who have not contributed the full **50 years** (or **1,040 weeks**) to the **General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)** the opportunity for a complete AOW benefit. With this insurance, you supplement missing periods and prevent an **AOW gap** in your pension. In Amsterdam, you can go to local institutions such as the Rechtbank Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220) or the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (Vijzelstraat 77) for advice.
What Does AOW Voluntary Insurance Entail for Amsterdam?
The **AOW** forms the basis of your Dutch pension from age 67, depending on the premium weeks accumulated. If you miss years, you receive a **pro rata benefit**. A **voluntary AOW insurance** allows you to catch up on these years, ideal for Amsterdammers in various situations.
Specifically useful for:
- Self-employed professionals in Amsterdam who skipped premiums.
- Amsterdammers who continue working after 67 without AOW.
- Parents from Amsterdam-Noord or Zuid who stayed home for years.
- Expats and migrants in the city with incomplete residence years.
Legal Basis in Amsterdam
Regulated via:
- Article 10 AOW: conditions for voluntary participation.
- Decree on Voluntary AOW Insurance: procedures and rates.
For free advice: visit the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 77.
Applying for AOW Voluntary Insurance from Amsterdam
Step-by-step plan:
- Submit application to SVB (before your 67th birthday, online or by post from Amsterdam).
- Pay premiums for missing years.
- Patience until 67: the benefit will then be adjusted.
Costs of AOW Voluntary Insurance 2024
Premium per year: approx. **€1,500-€2,000** (based on AOW wage). Pay in installments or lump sum. Full calendar years only.
Examples for Amsterdammers
Example 1: Self-employed in De Pijp
Jan (65) from De Pijp worked 45 years as a freelancer without premiums. With 5 voluntary years, his AOW increases by 10%.
Example 2: Mother from Amsterdam-West
Sara (66) from West cared for children for 20 years. By supplementing 10 years, she maximizes her pension.
Example 3: Expat in Amsterdam Oost
Mohammed (64) from Oost has lived here for 35 years. Voluntary supplementation prevents a gap.
Rights and Obligations in Amsterdam Context
Rights:
- Application until 67th birthday.
- Increase in AOW benefit.
- Refund upon death.
Obligations:
- Timely premium payment.
- Application before 67.
- No double benefit (except bridging).
Comparison: Voluntary AOW vs. Bridging Benefit
Voluntary fills gaps permanently; bridging is temporary for those working after 67. Choose based on your Amsterdam situation – advice via Juridisch Loket.