What is the Anw?
The General Survivor's Act (Anw) provides a financial benefit to survivors of a deceased partner. This benefit compensates for the loss of income. Note: not everyone qualifies, as the conditions are strict.
Conditions for Anw
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Death of partner | Married, registered partnership or cohabiting |
| Insurance | Deceased was insured under the Anw |
| Age or responsibility | You are disabled or you have a child under 18 years old |
When is there entitlement to Anw?
You can receive Anw if:
- You are caring for a child younger than 18 years, or
- You are at least 45% disabled
If you do not meet any of these criteria, you will not receive an Anw benefit.
Anw Amounts 2024
Maximum benefits
| Situation | Gross per month |
|---|---|
| Survivor's benefit | ±€1.450 |
| Orphan's benefit (per child) | ±€430 |
| Full orphan's benefit | ±€430 - €650 |
The amount of the benefit may be lower if you have your own income.
Duration of the Anw benefit
- Until AOW age (in case of disability)
- Until the youngest child is 18 years old (in case of care responsibility)
- Ends upon cohabitation or new marriage
Income and impact on Anw
Your own income affects the benefit:
- 50% of income above the exemption threshold is deducted
- Income from work, pensions or other benefits is taken into account
- Assets are not taken into account
Do I get Anw if I was unmarried and cohabiting?
Yes, provided you had a notarial cohabitation agreement or a joint child. Otherwise, this is often not possible.
Does Anw end upon new cohabitation?
Yes, if you start cohabiting with a new partner, the Anw benefit ends.
What if my ex-partner dies?
Ex-partners usually have no right to Anw, unless you were receiving alimony from the deceased.
Frequently asked questions about Anw in Leiden
How can I apply for an Anw benefit after the death of my partner?
The application for an Anw benefit is done via the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). This can be done digitally via Mijn SVB with your DigiD, or by telephone. Make sure you have documents such as the death certificate and possibly a cohabitation agreement at hand. The SVB will check if you meet the requirements. Apply for the benefit as soon as possible, as it only starts after approval and is not paid retroactively.
Is Anw possible without children or disability?
No, without children under 18 years or a disability of at least 45%, you have no right to Anw. The legislation is clear on this. You can inquire about alternative support, such as social assistance via the municipality of Leiden or a death benefit from a pension fund.
How much can I earn before my Anw is reduced?
Your Anw benefit is reduced if your income exceeds the exemption threshold, in 2024 approximately €1.450 gross per month. 50% of the amount above that is deducted from your benefit. For example: with an income of €1.800, €350 (50% of €700) is deducted from your Anw.
What happens to my Anw when my child turns 18?
If your youngest child turns 18 and you received the benefit on the basis of care, the Anw ends. A transitional arrangement is sometimes possible, but not always. In case of disability, the benefit continues until your AOW age. Contact the SVB for advice on your situation.
Help in Leiden
For legal questions about the Anw, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the Rechtbank Den Haag, Leiden location, handles cases regarding social security and benefits.