AOW for married or single people: What now?

Questioner

I am married to a man born in 1949. When he turns 65 I can also receive AOW. Does this also apply if we do not live together at the same address? We are still married.

Lawyer

This is a special situation. I advise you to contact the Social Insurance Bank (www.svb.nl). They can give you a definitive answer about this.

Lawyer

As long as you live together in one house, you and your partner will both receive an AOW pension for married couples. That is 50% of the net minimum wage. If your partner lives in a nursing home for a long time, you can apply for an AOW pension for single people. You will remain married, but you will both receive an AOW pension of 70% of the net minimum wage. Applying for an AOW pension for singles seems beneficial, because you and your partner will receive a higher AOW. But there are also disadvantages (see below). Applying for an AOW pension for single people has disadvantages It is not beneficial for everyone to apply for an AOW pension for single people: you will probably pay more taxes. your partner will pay a much higher contribution for the AWBZ (General Law on Special Medical Expenses). The Central Administration Office (CAK) determines the amount of this contribution. you may receive less health care and/or housing allowance. it may also have consequences for your possible company pension In the event of death, the surviving partner will not receive an AOW death benefit. For more information about this, please contact the Tax Authorities, the CAK and possibly your pension fund. Only then can you determine whether it is advantageous for you or not. If you decide to keep the AOW pension for married couples, you do not have to do anything. If you choose the single person's pension, we will arrange this as soon as we receive your request. See http://www.svb.nl/int/nl/aow/sitemap.jsp