Algemene Ouderdomswet

The Algemene Ouderdoms Wet (general seniority law) is a 1956 Dutch law that installed a state pension, guaranteed for all. This law was a continuation of a 1947 temporary law. The old law was a proposal by Willem Drees and the new one came about when he was prime minister. It is the one thing he is remembered for most and his name is immortalised in the expression 'van Drees trekken' (literally 'pulling from Drees' after the Dutch word 'steuntrekken' for receiving social security).

The law provides a pension from one's 65th (proposed: 67th) birthday for everyone who has lived in the Netherlands between his 15th (proposed: 17th) and 65th (proposed: 67th) birthday. For those who have not lived in the Netherlands the full 50 years the amount is proportional. If a pensioner has a common household with someone else (for example in the case of marriage or cohabitation), whether also a pensioner or not, the monthly amount is lower than if he or she lives alone.

The proposed increase of the minimum age by two years would take place in two steps, effective in 2020 and 2026: those born before 1955 would not be affected, and for those born in the period 1955 - 1959 the minimum age would be 66.

The amendments to the AOW triggered a series of demonstrations in November 2009 at the Malieveld in The Hague.