When will my government pension increase? Answers to frequently asked questions
In the Netherlands, many people approaching retirement age are wondering about the changes related to the AOW pension for 2025, including payment dates, rules for additional work, holiday allowances, and the possibility of receiving additional support. Here are the most important answers clearly and concisely.
The AOW pension amount is adjusted twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, because it is linked to the minimum wage in the Netherlands. In January 2025, the amounts increased to €1,580.92 per month before tax for single beneficiaries, and **€1,081.50** per person for married or cohabiting couples, excluding holiday allowances. The next adjustment will be on July 1, 2025.
The AOW also includes an annual holiday allowance that is paid separately in May. The amount depends on the family situation: €73.18 for married or cohabiting individuals and **€102.46** for singles. Monthly pension payments are usually transferred on the 23rd of each month and may be paid early if they coincide with a holiday or weekend, and the speed of arrival may vary depending on the bank.
The law allows working alongside receiving the AOW pension without affecting its value, but additional income may affect taxes or some government assistance such as housing support or health insurance support. Those with low income can apply for the AIO allowance from the SVB provided they reside in the Netherlands and do not have assets exceeding the legal limit.
It is possible to continue receiving the AOW pension when moving to live outside the Netherlands, but tax laws may vary, and the amount of the pension may be affected if the person has lived or worked outside the Netherlands for certain periods before retirement. The partner allowance is only available to those who started receiving AOW before January 1, 2015. Due to the increasing life expectancy, the Dutch government continues to gradually raise the AOW retirement age, which will reach 67 years in 2025, with the possibility of further increases later but in smaller increments.