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Sociale Zekerheid

AOW Deferral: Rules and Consequences in Leiden

AOW Deferral in Leiden: Rules, conditions and calculations for starting later with a higher benefit. Local assistance via Legal Aid Office and Court.

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AOW Deferral: Rules and Consequences

**AOW deferral** offers the opportunity to postpone your AOW age by up to a maximum of 5 years. Financially advantageous, but with an impact on your income. Learn the rules and effects, including local support via the Legal Aid Office Leiden.

What does AOW deferral entail?

With **AOW deferral**, you shift the **AOW entitlement age** – when you become entitled to the basic state pension – by a maximum of **5 years**. You therefore start AOW later, but receive a higher monthly amount. The AOW applies to everyone in the Netherlands upon reaching the **AOW age** (2024: 67 years and 3 months). Deferral extends your pension phase and increases your total AOW income. In Leiden, you can seek advice on this at the Legal Aid Office Leiden, Stationsweg 46.

Legal framework

Rules for AOW deferral are set out in the **General Old Age Pensions Act** and the **AOW Decree**, with calculations via the **Social Insurance Funding Act** (Wfsv). Key references:

  • Article 11 General Old Age Pensions Act: Regulates the deferral option of the AOW age.
  • Article 12 General Old Age Pensions Act: Determines the increase in the benefit.
  • AOW Decree, article 1.1: Specifies conditions and application procedure.

In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.

Conditions for deferral

Meet these requirements for AOW deferral:

  1. Minimum 65 years (AOW age 2024: 67 years and 3 months; application from that age).
  2. No current AOW benefit at the time of application.
  3. Maximum 5 years deferral, e.g. from 2024 to 2029.
  4. Timely notification: At least **3 months before AOW start date** to the **SVB**.

Calculation of the increased AOW

Deferral leads to a higher monthly amount, because it is spread over fewer years. Depending on:

  • Deferral duration (1-5 years).
  • Life expectancy.
  • Indexation during deferral.

SVB formula applies; longer deferral = higher amount. Example (for €1,500 basic AOW):

Deferral duration Increase (%) Example amount
1 year ~5% €1,575
2 years ~10% €1,650
3 years ~15% €1,725
4 years ~20% €1,800
5 years ~25% €1,875

Note: Percentages vary annually. Use the SVB calculator or consult an advisor in Leiden.

Consequences of deferral

Advantages and disadvantages at a glance:

Advantages

  • Higher monthly income: Significantly more per month.
  • Total AOW increase: Due to longer period.
  • Flexibility: Continue working in Leiden.

Disadvantages

  • Income gap: No AOW during deferral.
  • Risks: Death before start = forfeited benefit.
  • Limited reversal option: Difficult to reverse.

For personal advice: Legal Aid Office Leiden, Stationsweg 46 or District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location.