Linking AOW Age to Life Expectancy in Delft
For residents of Delft, the linking of AOW age to life expectancy applies—a system that automatically adjusts the pension age based on average life expectancy. This keeps the AOW system affordable for generations in Delft and surrounding areas. The arrangement eases financial pressure on the government by gradually raising the AOW age, which is relevant for many Delftenaren working at the university or in industry.
What does this linking mean for you?
The AOW age life expectancy link ties the start of your pension not to a fixed age, but to CBS statistics on life expectancy. The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) uses data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) to make these calculations. As a result, the AOW age rises in line with increasing life expectancy, ensuring payouts remain proportional to working years. In Delft, you can get free advice on your personal situation at the Delft Legal Aid Office.
Specifically, the age tracks the expected remaining life expectancy from age 65. If life expectancy rises by six months, the AOW age increases by three months. This 'limited system' has been in place since 2024, following a period of full adjustment.
Legal Basis
The foundation is the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW), particularly Article 7 AOW. Key updates include:
- Act Amending the AOW Age Increase 2012 (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2012, 500), introducing the link in 2013.
- Pension Agreement 2019 through the Future Pensions Act (effective 1 January 2023), with limited linking from 2028.
- Article 7, paragraph 2 AOW: Age based on the life expectancy of your birth cohort.
Calculations follow the AOW Age Policy Rules of the SVB, supported by CBS projections. In case of disputes, you can approach the District Court of The Hague.
Development of AOW Age Over the Years
Since 2013, the age has increased stepwise. Overview for Delftenaren:
| Year | AOW Age | Reason/Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 66 years and 8 months | Full life expectancy link |
| 2023 | 66 years and 4 months | Continued increase |
| 2024-2027 | 67 years and 3 months | Stabilization period |
| 2028 and later | 67 years + variable | Limited link (50% of increase) |
Example: Born in 1958? AOW starts from 2025 at 67 years and 3 months. Later Delftenaren will start later if life expectancy rises.
Future Outlook
From 2028, the half link applies. CBS projections (May 2023) predict life expectancy at 65 rising from 20.4 years (2023) to 21.5 years (2040). This could lead to 67 years and 6 months in 2030, and around 68 years in 2040. The government reviews this biennially; decreases are rare.
Rights and Obligations Regarding AOW Age
Rights for Delftenaren:
- Automatic AOW start at your age.
- Check via Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl.
- Pro-rata AOW if emigrating; notify the Municipality of Delft for updates.
Obligations:
- Report address changes to SVB.
- Remain insured through work or premiums.
- Financial planning; continuing work after AOW is possible.
Real-Life Cases from the Region
Case 1: Ms. Jansen (1960, Delft), AOW in 2027 at 67 years and 3 months. Expected to live until 88.
Case 2: Mr. De Vries (1970), AOW around 2037 at about 67 years and 8 months. He is building bridge pension through his TU Delft employer.
This is how the link affects your Delft pension planning. More info: AOW Age in Delft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AOW age decrease?
Yes, if life expectancy falls, but trends point to increases. SVB adjusts using CBS data.
How to calculate my AOW age?
Use the SVB.nl calculator or Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl with your birth date. Get help at the Delft Legal Aid Office.
Does this apply to existing pensions?
No, only new cohorts. Your age is fixed.
Early retirement?
Bridge pension via employer; AOW later. Check local schemes at the Municipality of Delft.
Tips for Delftenaren
To be well prepared: check your age online, save extra, discuss with your employer, and visit the Delft Legal Aid Office for tailored advice. Consider Delft's local demographics, with a relatively highly educated population and longer life expectancy.