What Does the AOW Age Mean?
The AOW age is the moment at which you become entitled to your AOW benefit. This age has risen in recent years and is linked to life expectancy. For 2024, the AOW age is set at 67 years.
AOW Age by Year of Birth
| Year of Birth | AOW Age | AOW Start |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 66 years and 7 months | 2023/2024 |
| 1958 | 66 years and 10 months | 2024/2025 |
| 1959 | 67 years | 2026 |
| 1960 | 67 years | 2027 |
| 1961 and later | 67 years (depending on life expectancy) | 2028 and later |
How Do You Calculate Your AOW Age?
SVB Calculation Tool
Via the website svb.nl, you can easily calculate your exact AOW start date. Enter your date of birth and receive immediately the exact day on which your benefit begins.
Relation to Life Expectancy
The AOW age is adjusted according to life expectancy:
- One extra year of life expectancy means 8 months later AOW.
- Maximum increase: 3 months per year.
- The age is definitively set 5 years in advance.
Stopping Work Earlier
Are you considering stopping work before your AOW age?
- The AOW does not start earlier.
- You must financially bridge the period until the AOW yourself.
- Options: own savings, early retirement, or an RVU scheme.
- Note: no unemployment benefit (WW) shortly before the AOW age.
Continuing to Work After the AOW Age
If you continue working after your AOW age:
- Your AOW benefit does not increase.
- You can continue to accrue additional pension.
- Tax advantage: no more AOW premium.
Can I Defer My AOW Benefit?
No, the AOW starts automatically at your AOW age. Deferral for a higher benefit is not possible.
What If I Become Unemployed Just Before the AOW Age?
In that case, you may be eligible for the IOW (Income Provision for Older Unemployed Persons) instead of WW.
Will the AOW Age Go to 68 or 69 Years?
This depends on future life expectancies. Any increases will be announced in due time.
Frequently Asked Questions About AOW in Leiden
How Do I Know the Exact Start Date of My AOW?
Your exact AOW date depends on your date of birth. Use the calculation tool on svb.nl to determine the exact day by entering your date of birth. This date is set 5 years in advance.
Is It Possible to Retire Earlier?
Yes, you can stop working earlier, but the AOW benefit starts only at your official AOW age. You must finance the intervening period yourself, for example with savings or an early retirement scheme.
What If I Continue Working After My AOW Age?
You receive your AOW benefit as normal, without increase. However, you can accrue additional pension and benefit from tax advantages, such as not paying AOW premium.
What Is the IOW and Who Is Eligible?
The IOW is a benefit for older unemployed persons who become unemployed shortly before their AOW age and no longer receive WW. You may qualify if you become unemployed between age 60 and your AOW age and meet specific conditions.
How Is the Future AOW Age Determined?
The AOW age depends on life expectancy. For each extra year of life expectancy, the AOW age increases by 8 months, with a maximum of 3 months per year.
Legal Support in Leiden
For questions or legal advice on AOW and pension, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases relating to social security and benefits.