AOW voluntary insurance: fill your AOW gap in Delft
An **AOW voluntary insurance** provides a solution for residents of Delft who have not contributed the full **50 years** (or **1,040 weeks**) to the **General Old Age Act (AOW)**. This allows you to fill in missing periods and secure a full pension, without an AOW gap.
What does an AOW voluntary insurance entail?
The **AOW** forms the basis of your Dutch old-age pension, payable from age 67 with sufficient premium weeks accumulated. With incomplete contributions, you receive a **pro rata benefit**. With a **voluntary AOW insurance**, you fill in the missing years yourself.
This is particularly useful for Delft residents such as:
- Self-employed individuals in Delft who missed premiums.
- Workers after AOW age without benefit.
- Parents who were stay-at-home parents for years.
- Expats or migrants with incomplete residence in the Netherlands.
Legal basis
Regulated in:
- Article 10 AOW: conditions for voluntary insurance.
- Decree on voluntary AOW insurance: details on costs and application procedure.
The **Social Insurance Bank (SVB)** administers AOW and voluntary options.
How do you take out a voluntary AOW insurance?
Step-by-step plan:
- Submit application to SVB (before your 67th birthday).
- Pay premiums for missing years.
- Patience until age 67 for AOW increase.
Costs of voluntary AOW insurance
Premium based on **average AOW wage**: in 2024 approximately **€1,500-€2,000** per year (depending on income). Payable in one go or in installments. Always per full calendar year.
Practical examples
Example 1: Delft self-employed person
Jan (65) from Delft-Zuid, self-employed with 45 premium weeks. Misses 5 years. Voluntary insurance increases AOW by 10%.
Example 2: Stay-at-home mother
Sara (66) from Delft, worked 30 years, stayed home 20 years. Fills in 10 years for higher benefit.
Example 3: Delft migrant
Mohammed (64), 35 years in the Netherlands, misses 15 years. Voluntary top-up prevents gap.
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Application up to 67th birthday.
- AOW increase through top-up.
- Refund upon early death.
Obligations:
- Timely premium payment.
- Application before age 67.
- No double AOW (except bridging).
Voluntary AOW vs. bridging benefit
Choose consciously: voluntary insurance builds structurally, bridging is temporary. Consult Juridisch Loket Delft or SVB for personal advice.