Premium Payment and AOW Accrual for Voluntary Insurance for Residents of Westland

For residents of Westland who take out voluntary AOW (General Old Age Pensions Act) insurance upon emigration, premium payment is based on your income, similar to wage tax in the Netherlands. The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) calculates the amount annually and sends an assessment. In 2024, the premium amounts to approximately 20% of your taxable income, with a maximum cap. In the greenhouse horticulture region of Westland, failure to pay may result in the suspension of accrued rights, though catching up with a penalty is possible. Accrual occurs through 'insurance years': each paid year counts as a full AOW entitlement, up to a maximum of 50 years. If you emigrate from Westland after reaching the AOW age, accrual stops, but you retain existing rights. Local tip for Westland entrepreneurs: honestly declare foreign income from greenhouse exports using the 'Premium AOW Voluntary Insurance' form at the Municipality of Westland. In cases of divorce or partner death, SVB adjustments apply, taking Westland cooperatives into account. Upon returning to districts such as Naaldwijk or Monster, premium payments automatically cease. Updating your actual address via the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen) at the municipality helps prevent disputes with the Tax and Customs Administration and the SVB regarding your pension, particularly for seasonal work in horticulture.