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AOW Gap Explained for Rotterdam Residents

AOW Gap Explained for Rotterdam Residents: causes, compensation since 2024 and help via Rotterdam Legal Aid Office. Avoid pension problems! (126 characters)

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AOW Gap: The Gap in Your AOW Entitlement as a Rotterdam Resident

The AOW gap occurs when you fail to build up AOW entitlements because you did not live in the Netherlands between your 15th birthday and the AOW age. This results in a lower basic state pension. It is particularly relevant for many Rotterdam residents with a migration background, such as from the port city's diverse communities. From 2024, a compensation scheme provides support for groups like children of guest workers. Learn how this works in Rotterdam and what steps you can take.

What Does the AOW Gap Mean for Rotterdam Residents?

Under the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW), your pension entitlement begins accruing the day after your 15th birthday up to pension age. For each full year in the Netherlands or covered by AOW insurance, you build up 2% of the maximum basic state pension. An AOW gap arises from (partial) residence outside the Netherlands without coverage. This is common among Rotterdam residents due to:

  • People who lived abroad before age 15.
  • Children from migrant families in neighborhoods like Rotterdam-South or Feijenoord.
  • Former emigrants returning to Rotterdam.

A full AOW gap means 0% accrual, while half means around 50%. In 2024, about 10% of AOW recipients, including in Rotterdam, have an incomplete pension as a result.

Legal Basis of the AOW Gap

The foundation lies in the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW):

  • Article 7 AOW: Insurance begins after the 15th birthday.
  • Article 16 AOW: Pension proportional to insured years (2% per year).
  • Article 17 AOW: Exceptions via international treaties for coverage abroad.

Since 1 January 2024, the AOW Gap Compensation Act (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2023, 456) has been in effect. It provides a supplement for affected groups and runs until 2035, funded without additional costs.

Common Causes of an AOW Gap in Rotterdam

The gap results from residence outside the Netherlands, not from work. Typical cases in the region:

  1. Raised abroad: No accrual until moving to Rotterdam.
  2. Children of guest workers: Parents in Rotterdam industry or port (1960s/70s); children from Morocco or Turkey have a gap.
  3. Emigration and return: Departure to Australia at age 20, return migration at 60: 40-year gap.
  4. No nationality until 15: Before 1985, only residence counted for non-Dutch nationals.

Comparison: Full vs. Incomplete AOW in 2024

SituationNumber of YearsAOW Amount (single)
Full AOW (50 years)50€1.450,17 gross/month
Half AOW gap (25 years)25€725,09 gross/month
Full AOW gap0€0

Source: SVB, 2024 amounts. Partner supplement can add €1,000+.

Impact of an AOW Gap on Rotterdam Residents

A lower pension leads to financial challenges in retirement. Real-life examples:

Example 1: Ahmed (1965, Morocco) moved to Rotterdam at age 10 for port work. Accrual from 15: 40 years, 80% AOW (€1,160). Compensation can make it full.

Example 2: Maria (1955, Suriname) arrived in Rotterdam at 25. 10-year gap: 80% AOW, no compensation.

Result: Risk of poverty, social assistance via Municipality of Rotterdam or family support. Partner supplement helps if your partner has full AOW.

Compensation Scheme for AOW Gap

The law targets children of labor migrants (e.g., from Morocco, Turkey, born 1955-1986) with a gap due to residence outside NL before age 15. Conditions:

  • AOW entitlement from 1-1-2024.
  • Incomplete due to foreign residence.
  • Parents worked in NL, including Rotterdam sectors.

Supplement brings it to full AOW. Apply via SVB; often automatic. Deadline: 1-1-2035. Assistance via Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.

Your Rights and Obligations with an AOW Gap

Rights:

  • Free trial calculation from SVB.
  • Compensation if eligible.
    • Objection (4 weeks); appeal to Rotterdam District Court.

    Obligations:

    • Report address changes to SVB and Municipality of Rotterdam.
    • Provide proof of uninsured foreign residence.

    Read more about AOW basic state pension.

    Frequently Asked Questions about AOW Gap in Rotterdam

    Can I make up my AOW gap later?

    No, accrual ends at pension age. After emigration: frontier worker scheme or treaties, not retroactively.

    Am I eligible for compensation?

    Yes under AOW Gap Compensation Act: born outside NL, migrant parents, gap before 15. Check via SVB mypension or Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.

    What if my partner has full AOW?

    You receive partner supplement up to nearly €1,400+.

    How do I check my accrual?

    Via SVB login or statement; 5 years before AOW age, with help from Rotterdam Legal Aid Office.

    Tips for Rotterdam Residents

    Avoid issues:

    • Trial calculation: Annually on SVB.nl.
    • Save: Via employer pension or annuity.
    • Partner supplement: With full AOW partner.
    • Objection: For errors; 20% success rate, via Rotterdam District Court.
    • Seek help: At Rotterdam Legal Aid Office for personal advice.

    Related: AOW Partner Supplement