volksverzekeringen

Volkverzekeringen are the Netherlands’ national (or universal) social insurances. They form a core part of the Dutch social security system and are designed to provide a basic level of income security for all residents and workers in the country. The schemes are compulsory and funded through social insurance contributions collected from employers and employees, as well as general government funds in some cases. Administration and benefit payments are carried out by government bodies, notably the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) and the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration).

The best-known components of the volksverzekeringen are the Algemene Ouderdomswet (AOW) and the Algemene Nabestaandenwet (ANW). The AOW provides the basic state pension to residents who reach the statutory AOW age, with the amount adjusted for years of residence and birth year. The ANW offers survivor benefits to widows, widowers, and dependent children in the event of a breadwinner’s death. In addition, the volksverzekeringen cover other related social provisions and allowances administered by the SVB, such as child benefits.

Volkverzekeringen operate alongside the werknemersverzekeringen, which cover work-related risks like unemployment, sickness, and disability for employed persons. While werknemersverzekeringen are tied to employment status and funded through employer and employee contributions, volksverzekeringen aim to provide universal protection based on residence and nationality criteria, ensuring a basic level of security regardless of employment status.

Overall, volksverzekeringen form the first pillar of Dutch social security, complementing other insurance schemes and social benefits to support income maintenance, retirement, and family security for residents of the Netherlands.