Anw Benefit Conditions for Amsterdam Residents
For residents of Amsterdam, the Anw benefit (General Survivors Act) provides essential financial support to surviving dependents, such as partners and children, after the death of a loved one. You must meet specific Anw benefit conditions, including a close family tie, income and asset limits, and for partners, no new permanent relationship. The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) verifies eligibility, but Amsterdam residents can contact the Juridisch Loket Amsterdam with questions.
What Does an Anw Benefit Entail for Amsterdam?
The Anw is a basic social security benefit that supports surviving dependents like widows, widowers, and children after losing income due to death. It replaces prior schemes and can be temporary or lifelong, based on your situation. In Amsterdam, additional guidance is available via the Anw Survivor's Benefit page or local advice from the Juridisch Loket.
Legal Conditions for Anw Benefits
The rules are set out in the General Survivors Act (Anw). Key provisions include:
- Article 18 Anw: Partner pension for spouses, registered or cohabiting partners.
- Article 24 Anw: Basic conditions, including partner and income tests.
- Article 47 Anw: Young Anw for children under 18.
- Article 54 Anw: Older Anw for children studying up to age 30.
- Article 67 Anw: Income test with asset threshold.
The law has applied since January 1, 2004, with transitional rules for those born before 1951. The SVB decides on applications; in Amsterdam, obtain the death certificate from the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Conditions for Partners in Amsterdam
Partners must demonstrate:
- Relationship at time of death: Marriage, partnership, or durable cohabitation (at least 6 months at the same address in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the Municipality of Amsterdam, plus a child or notarial deed).
- No new partner: The SVB conducts a partner test; a new permanent relationship ends the benefit, except for temporary ones.
- Age and care duty: Born after 1950? Eligibility only if pregnant, caring for a child under 18, or under 45 yourself (transitional rules).
Example: Marieke (42) from Amsterdam-South loses her partner. With their 10-year-old child, she meets the care duty and receives partner pension until the child turns 18.
Income and Assets in the Test
Total income (work, benefits, pension) must not exceed about 60% of the minimum wage (2024: €1,365 net/month for singles). Assets above €7,590 (single) or €15,180 (couple) are counted. The SVB calculates this.
Anw Benefit Conditions for Children in Amsterdam
Children qualify for:
| Benefit Type | Age | Conditions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Anw | <18 years | Child of insured person, regardless of parental income | Until 18 or end of studies |
| Older Anw | 18-30 years | Full-time study (≥75% workload), job <50% of study costs | Until 30 or degree |
Example: Tim (20) from Amsterdam studies at the UvA after his mother's death. He receives older Anw alongside DUO funding, provided he has no major job.
Real-Life Cases for Anw Benefits in Amsterdam
- Remarriage: Anna from De Pijp remarries; Anw ends (art. 25 Anw).
- Too much income: Karel (Amsterdam-Noord) earns €2,000 net; no Anw, but possible reapplication if income drops.
- Cohabitation without proof: Lisa shares an address but lacks recognition; no entitlement.
Rights and Obligations under Anw
Rights
- Apply within 12 months of death (SVB often notifies automatically).
- Reassessment on changes (e.g., unemployment).
- Objection to SVB, appeal to Amsterdam District Court.
Obligations
- Report changes within 8 days (income, partner, move).
- Provide proof (payslips, study certificates).
- Repay overpayments.
Violations may lead to termination and fines.
FAQ: Anw Benefit Conditions in Amsterdam
Entitled to Anw when cohabiting without marriage?
Yes, if ≥6 months registered address in Municipality of Amsterdam BRP, with child or deed. Request an extract.
When does Anw end due to new relationship?
For durable partner (>6 months together or child); SVB checks annually, temporary is fine.
Combine Anw with unemployment benefit or state pension?
Yes, but offset; unemployment benefit fully counted, state pension partially.
Does Anw apply to stepchildren?
Yes, if acknowledged or adopted by the deceased.
Tips for Amsterdam Residents
Avoid hassle:
- Applying: Report death to SVB (0800-2345671/online) and Municipality of Amsterdam for certificate.
- Seek advice from Juridisch Loket Amsterdam (free initial consultation).
- Keep BRP and DUO documents ready.
- On rejection: file objection and go to Amsterdam District Court.