AOW Voluntary Insurance Abroad - Rotterdam
The **AOW voluntary insurance abroad** offers Rotterdam citizens abroad the opportunity to claim the Dutch General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW). Without this option, your AOW starts only upon return to the Netherlands or upon meeting income rules. Voluntary insurance prevents this, ideal for expats from the Rotterdam region.
Relevant groups: pensioners who remain abroad after age 67 (depending on year of birth), or temporary expats. Local Rotterdam legal assistance available via Rechtbank Rotterdam, Wilhelminaplein 100-125 or Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180.
Why AOW voluntary insurance for Rotterdam expats?
This scheme allows you, despite residence abroad, to contribute to the Dutch pension system and retain AOW rights. Laid down in the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW) with SVB administration. Prevents interruption through voluntary premium payments.
Target groups:
- Rotterdam expats post-retirement age abroad.
- Temporary residents outside NL with AOW needs.
- No access to equivalent foreign pension.
Conditions for Rotterdam applicants
For Dutch nationals:
- Age 65+ (or 67, depending on year of birth), foreign address.
- No automatic AOW due to residence or income rules.
- Wish for Dutch benefit.
Note: No option if equivalent foreign pension or local scheme available. Contact Juridisch Loket Rotterdam, Westblaak 180 for advice.
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dutch nationality | Required for Rotterdam expats. |
| Residence abroad | No NL residence, but no local AOW entitlement. |
| No equivalent benefit | No comparable foreign pension. |
| Age | Retirement age reached (check SVB). |
Legal basis AOW scheme
Based on General Old Age Pensions Act arts. 16-20 and SVB decision. Rechtbank Rotterdam (Wilhelminaplein 100-125) handles objections. EU regulations apply to EEA countries.
Examples of Rotterdam situations
Example 1: Rotterdam resident (67) moves to Spain, no Spanish pension. Voluntarily insured: full AOW after accrual.
Example 2: Expats family from Rotterdam in US, temporarily. Insurance retains rights upon return.
Rights and obligations
Rights: AOW accrual, benefit abroad.
Obligations: Annual premium, report address changes to SVB. In disputes: Rechtbank Rotterdam.
Application process
1. Check SVB website.
2. Submit application with ID, proof of address.
3. Pay premium (monthly/yearly).
Rotterdam assistance: Juridisch Loket Westblaak 180.
Costs AOW voluntary abroad
Premium approx. €140/month (2024, single). Depends on income/family. No refund.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel? Yes, with 2 months' notice.
Applies to children? No, only yourself.
Assistance in Rotterdam? Yes, Rechtbank Wilhelminaplein or Juridisch Loket.
Tips for Rotterdam expats
- Check SVB immediately upon emigration.
- Consult Juridisch Loket Westblaak 180 for personal advice.
- Document everything for Rechtbank Rotterdam.