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AOW Voluntary Insurance in Leiden: Close Your AOW Gap

Discover the AOW voluntary insurance for Leiden residents: fill in missing premium years and prevent an AOW gap. Advice via Juridisch Loket Leiden.

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AOW Voluntary Insurance in Leiden: Prevent a Pension Gap

An **AOW voluntary insurance** helps residents of Leiden who have not built up the full **50 years** (or **1,040 weeks**) of premiums for the **General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)**. This allows you to fill in missing periods and receive a complete AOW benefit. The District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location handles any disputes, and the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46 offers free advice.

What Does AOW Voluntary Insurance Entail for Leiden Residents?

The AOW forms the basis of your pension from around age 67, depending on the premium weeks built up. If you are missing years, you will receive a **pro rata benefit**. With a **voluntary AOW insurance**, you can close this gap, ideal for Leiden residents with an incomplete premium history.

This is useful for:

  • Self-employed individuals from Leiden who skipped premiums.
  • Parents who stayed home for years to care for children.
  • Expats or migrants with a shorter stay in the Netherlands.
  • Workers after AOW age without a benefit.

Legal Basis

Regulated in:

  • Article 10 AOW: conditions for voluntary coverage.
  • Decree on Voluntary AOW Insurance: details on premiums and application.
Managed by the **Social Insurance Bank (SVB)**. In case of problems: District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location or Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46.

Application Process for Voluntary AOW in Leiden

Steps:

  1. Apply to SVB before your 67th birthday.
  2. Pay premiums for missing years.
  3. Benefit starts or increases at AOW age.

Premium Costs

Based on AOW wage; in 2024 approx. **€1,500-€2,000 per year**. Pay in one go or in instalments. Always per full calendar year.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Leiden Freelancer
Piet, 65, missing 5 premium years. Voluntary insurance yields 10% higher AOW.

Example 2: Stay-at-Home Parent
Marie, 66, missing 20 years due to child care. 10 voluntary years significantly increase her pension.

Example 3: Leiden Migrant
Ahmed, 64, 35 years in the Netherlands. Fills 15 years via SVB.

Rights and Obligations

Rights:

  • Application up to age 67.
  • Increase in AOW benefit.
  • Refund upon death.
Obligations:
  • Pay premiums on time.
  • Apply before age 67.
  • No double benefits (except bridging).

Comparison: Voluntary Insurance vs. Bridging Benefit

Voluntary: Permanent supplement, premium paid in advance. Bridging: Temporary for workers after 67. Consult Juridisch Loket Leiden for your situation.