What is the AOW retirement age?
The AOW retirement age is the moment when your AOW benefit starts. This age has increased in recent years and is linked to life expectancy. For 2024, the AOW retirement age is 67 years.
AOW retirement age by year of birth
| Year of birth | AOW retirement age | AOW starts in |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 66 years and 7 months | 2023/2024 |
| 1958 | 66 years and 10 months | 2024/2025 |
| 1959 | 67 years | 2026 |
| 1960 | 67 years | 2027 |
| 1961 and later | 67 years (depending on life expectancy) | 2028 and later |
How do you calculate your AOW retirement age?
SVB calculation tool
Via the website svb.nl, you can easily calculate your precise AOW start date. Enter your date of birth and receive immediately the exact day on which your benefit begins.
Relation to life expectancy
The AOW retirement age is adjusted to life expectancy:
- For each year of additional life expectancy, the AOW retirement age increases by 8 months
- Maximum increase per year is 3 months
- The age is set 5 years in advance
Stopping work earlier
If you want to stop working before your AOW retirement age:
- The AOW does not start earlier
- You must financially bridge the period yourself
- Options: own savings, early retirement pension or RVU scheme
- Note: no unemployment benefit (WW) shortly before AOW retirement age
Continuing to work after AOW retirement age
If you continue working after your AOW retirement age:
- Your AOW benefit is not increased
- Additional pension accrual is possible
- Tax advantage: no more AOW premium
Can I defer my AOW?
No, the AOW starts automatically at your AOW retirement age. Deferring for a higher benefit is not possible.
What if I become unemployed shortly before AOW?
In that case, you may be eligible for an IOW benefit (Income Provision for Older Unemployed Persons) instead of WW.
Will the AOW retirement age go to 68 or 69 years?
This is possible in the future, depending on life expectancy. Any increases will be announced in due time.
Legal support in Utrecht
For questions or legal advice on AOW and pension schemes in Utrecht, you can contact:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht
Frequently asked questions about AOW
How do I find out the exact start date of my AOW?
Your precise AOW date depends on your date of birth. Use the calculation tool on svb.nl to calculate your date to the day. It is definitively set five years in advance.
Is retiring earlier an option?
Yes, you can stop working earlier, but your AOW starts only at the official age. You must finance the intervening period yourself, for example with savings or an early retirement scheme.
What if I continue working after my AOW retirement age?
You receive your AOW benefit normally, without increase. However, you can build up additional pension and benefit from tax advantages because you no longer pay AOW premium.
What is the IOW benefit?
The IOW is an income provision for older unemployed persons who become unemployed shortly before their AOW retirement age and no longer receive WW. This benefit runs until your AOW starts.
How is the future AOW retirement age determined?
The AOW retirement age depends on life expectancy. For a one-year increase in life expectancy, the AOW retirement age increases by eight months, with a maximum of three months per year.