AOW Deferral in Westland: Rules and Consequences
**AOW deferral** offers residents of Westland the opportunity to postpone the AOW entitlement age by a maximum of 5 years. Financially advantageous, but with an impact on your income. Learn the rules, conditions, and consequences, with local support via the Juridisch Loket Westland.
What is AOW Deferral About?
With **AOW deferral**, you choose to have your **AOW age** (in 2024: 67 years and 3 months) start up to **5 years** later. You then receive a substantial increase in your monthly AOW benefit. The AOW is the basic state pension for everyone in the Netherlands, including Westland. Deferral extends your pension phase and increases the total AOW income.
Legal Framework
AOW deferral is regulated in the **General Old Age Pensions Act** (Wet op de AOW) and the **AOW Decree** (Besluit AOW). The **Social Insurance Funding Act** (Wfsv) determines the benefit calculation. Relevant provisions:
- Article 11 General Old Age Pensions Act: Regulates the deferral of the AOW age.
- Article 12 General Old Age Pensions Act: Formula for the increase in the benefit.
- AOW Decree, Article 1.1: Procedure and conditions for application.
For Westland: District Court of The Hague (district) handles any disputes.
Conditions for AOW Deferral
As a resident of Westland, you must meet these requirements:
- Minimum AOW age reached (from age 65, increasing to 67 years and 3 months in 2024).
- No ongoing AOW benefit at the time of application.
- Maximum 5 years deferral (e.g., from 2024 to 2029).
- Timely notification to SVB: At least **3 months** before the AOW start date. Contact Juridisch Loket Westland for assistance with the application.
Calculation of Increased AOW Benefit
With deferral, your AOW is paid out over fewer years, resulting in a higher monthly amount. Factors:
- Deferral period (1-5 years).
- Life expectancy at the start moment.
- Indexation during the deferral period.
Indication of increase (2024 rules):
| Deferral (years) | Increase (%) | Example (€1,500 base) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ~5.4% | €1,581 |
| 2 years | ~11% | €1,665 |
| 3 years | ~17% | €1,755 |
| 4 years | ~23% | €1,845 |
| 5 years | ~30% | €1,950 |
Note: Percentages change annually. Use the SVB AOW trial calculation. Residents of Westland can obtain free advice from Juridisch Loket Westland.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AOW Deferral
Advantages
- Higher monthly income: Significantly more per month.
- Flexibility: Continue working in Westland and build up supplementary pension.
- Indexation benefit: AOW grows with wages during deferral.
Disadvantages
- Income gap: No AOW during the deferral period.
- Mortality risk: Less total benefit in case of early death.
- Irrevocable: Deferral cannot be reversed.
Local Support in Westland
Juridisch Loket Westland assists with AOW questions and applications. Address: [fill in]. For judicial matters: District Court of The Hague, Westland district.
Consider your personal situation. Combine deferral with work or savings for optimal results.