Your AOW age
In 2026 and 2027, AOW age is 67. From 2028 it is 67 years and three months for the relevant birth cohorts. At the reference date, SVB shows an established age of 67 for births from 1 March 1957 through 31 December 1960, and 67 years and three months for births from 1 January 1961 through 30 September 1964. For later birth dates, SVB displays estimates that are not yet final.
Use your complete birth date, not just the year. Your employer pension does not necessarily start automatically on the same date. Ask the administrator about the scheme’s retirement age and choices. AOW itself cannot be brought forward because you stop working early.
Check accrual
Each insured year in the fifty years before AOW age builds 2% of AOW. Accrual therefore does not start at age 15 or 17 for everyone. Living or working in the Netherlands usually means being insured, but exceptions apply, including cross-border work. Unemployment or stopping work does not automatically end AOW accrual.
Mijn SVB shows registered accrual and insured periods. Ask for clarification where necessary and supply requested evidence. Correcting an administrative error differs from buying insurance retrospectively for a genuinely uninsured period. Voluntary insurance has its own conditions, deadlines and contributions. Investigate promptly when leaving or arriving in the Netherlands, rather than waiting until retirement approaches.
Applying from the Netherlands or abroad
If you live in the Netherlands, you can apply in the four months before AOW age; SVB says earlier application is not possible. You receive a message about four months beforehand, possibly in the Berichtenbox. Contact SVB if you are within that period and have received nothing. Apply through Mijn SVB or ask SVB for a paper form.
If you live abroad, start about six months beforehand and check which institution should handle the application. Foreign residence or work may require additional investigation. Keep the confirmation and follow SVB’s decision deadline and requests for information.
First payment and amount
The usual payment round is around the 23 rd, including the month you reach AOW age. The precise date is in the SVB payment calendar. Your first amount covers the period starting on your AOW date and is not automatically a full month. Insured periods and living arrangements affect the amount; withholding and holiday allowance appear on the statement. Check the award decision and its stated appeal procedure.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Netherlands resident apply six months in advance?
No. SVB specifies the four months before AOW age for Netherlands residents. If living abroad, start earlier through the correct international application route.
Does payment start only in the month after my AOW date?
SVB uses its usual payment round around the 23 rd in your first AOW month too. Check the decision and payment calendar.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.