How and when do I apply for Dutch AOW?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
If you live in the Netherlands, you can apply to SVB during the four months before your AOW age. An invitation is not an award. Check the letter, household information and any periods abroad before sending the official application.
On which dates is AOW paid in 2026?
These are the SVB transfer dates for 2026. For another year, use the official calendar.
| Month | Transfer date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | ||
| February | ||
| March | ||
| April | ||
| May | Including holiday allowance | |
| June | ||
| July | ||
| August | ||
| September | ||
| October | ||
| November | ||
| December |
The time the money reaches your account depends on your bank. SVB also pays around the 23rd in your first AOW month. A foreign account may follow different timing; check your own payment in Mijn SVB.
View the official SVB payment calendar ↗
Calendar checked on .
On this page
- Identify the application route
- Check the invitation and timing
- Prepare the relevant information
- Submit the official application
- Keep proof and read the decision
- Address delay or disagreement
- What is the exact route abroad?
- How can I avoid missing a bank payment?
- Does receiving the invitation automatically start my AOW?
- Documents to prepare
- Sources
1. Identify the application route
This concerns Dutch state pension AOW, not an occupational pension. First check your personal AOW age with SVB and your country of residence. Residents abroad follow a different route: SVB recommends starting six months beforehand. In an EU, EEA or treaty country, a pension institution there may handle the application; ask SVB which institution is responsible if uncertain.
2. Check the invitation and timing
For residents of the Netherlands, SVB sends a letter about four months before AOW age. Also check the MijnOverheid Berichtenbox. You may apply within those four months, not earlier. If you reach AOW age within four months and have no letter, contact SVB. Tell SVB immediately if you expect a pension from another country.
3. Prepare the relevant information
Prepare the invitation, your bank account number and current household information. List periods of living or working abroad and any expected foreign pension. Check the details already entered in Mijn SVB. Clarify an incorrect household category or missing foreign period; do not guess facts you are unsure about.
4. Submit the official application
Go directly to the official SVB website and open the AOW application in Mijn SVB using DigiD. Check the information before sending. Saving an unfinished form is not submitting it. If you cannot apply digitally, ask SVB for the appropriate paper route. Our checklist and assistance request do not send an application to SVB.
5. Keep proof and read the decision
Keep the submission confirmation and respond to requests for additional information. SVB states that you receive a message within eight weeks; check the actual correspondence if further investigation is necessary. Read the start date, insured periods, household classification and payment in the decision. The accrued percentage and the amount determined by your household situation are different elements. SVB pays AOW monthly around the 23rd, including the month you reach AOW age. Check the official payment dates; the exact bank-credit time and transfers to foreign accounts may differ.
6. Address delay or disagreement
If applying late, still submit and explain the cause with evidence. Retroactive payment is normally limited to one year; exceptional cases may cover longer periods after individual SVB assessment. If you disagree with the decision, follow its objection route and deadline. You can request preparation help through our own assistance route; this does not file anything.
SVB · Ingangsdatum uitkering SB1403, versie 3 geldig vanaf 3 december 2025 ↗
7. What is the exact route abroad?
Applying abroad is possible without DigiD or BSN. In an EU country, use the pension body of your residence country or the country where you were last statutorily insured for old age, sickness and unemployment. In EEA/treaty countries, use your residence-country pension body if insured for its state pension, otherwise the last insured country's body. Elsewhere, contact SVB six months beforehand. Existing SVB Anw or remigration recipients receive instructions and SVB says no action is needed.
8. How can I avoid missing a bank payment?
Partners are paid on the same day, but bank credit times can differ. An account change near payment day may leave that payment going to the old account. Close it only after the first AOW payment actually reaches the new account. Check our AOW calendar and SVB's calendar for exact dates.
Does receiving the invitation automatically start my AOW?
The letter invites you to apply. Check that you actually sent the application and received confirmation. Special situations, such as already receiving an SVB benefit, may have different instructions: follow your own message.
Documents to prepare
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AOW age and country of residence
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- AOW age and country of residence
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- Decision, requests for information and objection period
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View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
SVB · AOW aanvragen in Nederland ↗SVB · Brief en officiële aanvraag ↗SVB · AOW aanvragen buiten Nederland ↗SVB · Ingangsdatum uitkering SB1403, versie 3 geldig vanaf 3 december 2025 ↗SVB · AOW-betaaldagen ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.