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Anw

Also known as: Algemene Nabestaandenwet, General Surviving Relatives Act

Tax & Social SecurityLast reviewed: 13 Apr 2026

The Anw is the Dutch survivor benefit paid by the SVB to qualifying partners and orphans after the death of an insured resident.

Quick Answer

Quick Answer

The Anw is the Dutch survivor benefit paid by the SVB to qualifying partners and orphans after the death of an insured resident.

The Algemene Nabestaandenwet (Anw), or General Surviving Relatives Act, is the Dutch national insurance scheme that provides a monthly benefit to the surviving partner of a deceased insured resident, as well as a separate orphan benefit for children who have lost both parents.

Entitlement is conditional. A surviving partner qualifies if they were born before 1950, are caring for a child under 18, or are assessed as at least 45% incapacitated for work. The benefit is means-tested against the survivor's own income from work and substitute income. The Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) pays out and assesses claims.

The Anw is financed through a national insurance premium levied together with wage tax on income in the first bracket. Employers handle the deduction through payroll. Employees often supplement the statutory cover with employer-sponsored survivor pension arrangements, since the Anw alone rarely replaces household income in full.

Sources

Related terms

AOW · WW · BSN · WGA · WIA · Zvw

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