Purchasing the AOW gap: supplementing your pension in The Hague
The **AOW gap** is the difference between your desired pension income and the **AOW benefit**. In The Hague, many residents find that AOW alone is not sufficient. By purchasing this gap, you increase your income after retirement. This article discusses local options, legal rules, and how to arrange it. For legal advice: Rechtbank Den Haag, Prins Clauslaan 60 or Juridisch Loket Den Haag, Lutherse Burgwal 10.
What is an AOW gap?
The **AOW gap** arises when the **AOW benefit** does not cover your cost of living. From the **AOW age** (67 years in 2024, rising to 68 in 2030), you receive a maximum of approximately €1,600 gross per month (with full premium history). In The Hague, with high living costs, this is often too tight without supplementary pension.
The gap is the additional income needed, for example, for 70% of your last salary. Local residents purchase this through pension funds or insurers with offices in the region.
Legal basis and rules in The Hague
Purchasing falls under the **Financial Supervision Act (Wft)**, **Pensions Act**, and **Income Tax Act 2001**. In The Hague, the **Rechtbank Den Haag (Prins Clauslaan 60)** handles pension disputes. For free advice: **Juridisch Loket Den Haag (Lutherse Burgwal 10)**. You can purchase via **individual pension plan (IPP)** or group pension.
No legal obligation, but popular through employers or independently. Check local providers such as NN Group or Aegon with offices near The Hague.
How do you purchase your AOW gap in The Hague?
Various local and national options:
- Via employer: Build up extra through premium increase in Hague companies.
- Independently: IPP with providers such as Achmea; obtain advice at Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
- Savings products: Banks offer life insurance or the 30% ruling for self-employed in the region.
- Own assets: Convert savings into lifelong income via pension funds.
Options for self-employed in The Hague
Self-employed in The Hague have:
- 30% ruling: Tax-free income for pension accrual.
- IPP: Premiums tax-deductible; consult Rechtbank Den Haag in case of disputes.
- Life insurance: With savings component until AOW age.
Practical examples in The Hague context
Example 1: Via employer
Situation: Jan (55, The Hague) earns €4,000 gross/month, pension €1,200. AOW €1,600. Total €2,800, but he wants €3,000. He purchases €200 gap via employer premium. After tax, safer net income.
Example 2: Self-employed
Situation: Marie (50, self-employed The Hague) uses 30% ruling and IPP with Aegon. Monthly €300 premium, tax-deductible. From AOW age, extra €500 net. Advice via Juridisch Loket.
Next steps in The Hague
1. Calculate your gap online or with an advisor.
2. Check employer options.
3. Conclude IPP.
4. Request subsidy/advice at **Juridisch Loket Den Haag**.
5. In case of problems: **Rechtbank Den Haag**.
This way, you close your AOW gap and live comfortably after retirement!