Anw Benefit Conditions for Residents of Utrecht
The Anw benefit (General Surviving Dependants Act) provides financial support to survivors such as partners and children in Utrecht after the death of a loved one. Utrecht residents must meet strict Anw benefit conditions, including a close relationship with the deceased, income and asset limits, and no new permanent relationship for partners. The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) assesses these requirements, but locally you can get advice from the Legal Aid Office Utrecht.
What Does an Anw Benefit Entail for Utrecht Residents?
The Anw offers Utrecht survivors a basic social security benefit as a safety net for income loss due to death. It partially replaces older schemes and is either temporary or long-term, depending on your circumstances. For Utrecht survivors, it often combines with local support from the Municipality of Utrecht. More information in our article on the Anw survivor benefit.
Statutory Anw Benefit Conditions
The rules are set out in the General Surviving Dependants Act (Anw). Relevant articles for Utrecht residents:
- Article 18 Anw: Partner's 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: Old Anw for children studying up to age 30.
- Article 67 Anw: Income test and asset limit.
The Anw has applied since 1 January 2004, with transitional rules for those born before 1951. The SVB decides on applications; in Utrecht, you can prepare at the Legal Aid Office Utrecht.
Personal Conditions for Partners in Utrecht
Partners in Utrecht must meet:
- Relationship at time of death: Marriage, partnership or proven permanent cohabitation (at least 6 months at the same address in the Personal Records Database, with a child or notarial deed).
- No new partner: The SVB conducts a partner test; a new permanent relationship ends the benefit, unless temporary.
- Age and care obligation: Born after 1950? Entitlement only if pregnant, caring for a child under 18, or under 45 at death (transitional rights).
Example: Marieke from the Lombok neighborhood in Utrecht (42) loses her partner. With their 10-year-old child, she meets the care obligation and receives partner's pension until the child turns 18.
Income Test and Asset Threshold for Utrecht Residents
Your income may not exceed approximately 60% of the minimum wage (2024: €1,365 net/month single). Assets above €7,590 (single) or €15,180 (couple) are counted. The SVB calculates this, taking into account Utrecht's cost of living.
Anw Conditions for Children in Utrecht
Children in Utrecht are entitled to:
| Type of Benefit | Age | Conditions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Anw | Up to 18 years | Child of insured person, regardless of parental income | Until 18 or end of studies |
| Old Anw | 18-30 years | At least 75% study load, job covering less than 50% of study costs | Until 30 or diploma |
Example: Tim (20) from Utrecht East studies full-time at Utrecht University after his mother's death. He receives old Anw alongside DUO funding, provided he limits his job.
Practical Cases for Utrecht Residents
- Remarriage: Anna from Utrecht remarries; Anw ends (art. 25 Anw).
- Income too high: Karel from Kanaleneiland earns €2,000 net; no Anw, but retest on decrease.
- Cohabitation without proof: Lisa from Utrecht misses Anw due to no recognition or deed.
Rights and Obligations of the Anw Benefit
Rights for Utrecht Residents
- Application within 12 months of death (automatic upon SVB notification).
- Reassessment on changes (e.g., unemployment).
- Objection to SVB, appeal to Utrecht District Court.
Obligations
- Report changes within 8 days (income, partner, move within Utrecht).
- Submit documents (payslips, study statements).
- Repay overpayments.
Violations lead to termination and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anw in Utrecht
Entitlement to Anw when cohabiting without marriage?
Yes, with 6+ months cohabitation, child or notarial deed. Prove with BRP extract via Municipality of Utrecht.
When does Anw end with a new relationship?
With a permanent partner (cohabitation >6 months or child); SVB checks annually.
Combining Anw with unemployment benefit or state pension?
Yes, but offset; unemployment benefit fully, state pension partially.
Does Anw apply to stepchildren?
Yes, if acknowledged or adopted by the deceased.
Tips for Utrecht Residents
Avoid hassle:
- Applying: Report death to SVB (0800-2345671/online); free advice from Legal Aid Office Utrecht.
- Local help: Contact Municipality of Utrecht for supplementary assistance.
- Prepare objection: On rejection, go to Utrecht District Court with legal aid office support.