AOW Voluntary Insurance in Utrecht: Prevent an AOW Gap
An **AOW voluntary insurance** offers residents of Utrecht and surrounding areas the opportunity to fill missing **AOW years** (minimum **50 years** or **1,040 weeks**). This prevents an **AOW gap** and ensures you receive a full AOW benefit from age 67. The Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) also administers this for Utrecht residents.
What Does Voluntary AOW Insurance Entail for Utrecht?
The **AOW** is your basic state pension from age 67. Missing premium weeks due to unemployment, migration or childcare? With a **voluntary AOW insurance**, you can fill these. This is crucial for Utrecht residents who:
- As self-employed in Utrecht paid insufficient premiums.
- Continue working in the Utrecht region after age 67.
- Provided home care for years without premiums.
- Recently migrated to Utrecht and did not live in NL for 50 years.
Legal Basis of AOW Insurance
Regulated in:
- Article 10 General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW): conditions for voluntary insurance.
- Decree on Voluntary AOW Insurance: procedures and rates.
How to Take Out Voluntary AOW Insurance in Utrecht?
Follow these steps:
- Submit application to SVB before age 67 (online or by post).
- Pay premium for missing years.
- Wait until AOW age for higher benefit.
Costs of Voluntary AOW Insurance 2024
Per calendar year approx. **€1,500-€2,000**, based on AOW wage. Payment in instalments possible. Note: no partial years!
Examples for Utrecht Residents
Example 1: Self-Employed Utrecht Resident
Pieter (65) from Utrecht-Zuid worked 20 years as a freelancer without AOW premiums. He misses 30 years. By voluntarily filling them, his benefit increases by 60%.
Example 2: Stay-at-Home Parent
Laura (66) from Kanaleneiland stayed home for 15 years for kids. With 10 years of voluntary insurance, she halves her AOW gap.
Example 3: Recent Migrant to Utrecht
Ahmed (64) from Noordwijk has lived in Utrecht since 2010. Misses 15 years. Voluntary coverage ensures full AOW.
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Application until 67th birthday.
- Full AOW after supplementation.
- Refund upon early death.
- Timely premium payment.
- Application before AOW age.
- No double benefits (except bridging).
AOW Voluntary vs. Bridging Benefit
Voluntary: Permanent supplementation of missing years.
Bridging: Temporary benefit until age 67 for workers.
Choose based on your situation – consult SVB or Juridisch Loket Utrecht.
Action for Utrecht Residents: Check your AOW accrual via SVB Mijn AOW. Contact SVB or visit the Juridisch Loket at Catharijnesingel 55.