More about the General Surviving Relatives Act (ANW).

The General Surviving Relatives Act (ANW) provides benefits to the partner or children after death only in a limited number of situations. As a result, the income of surviving dependents can drop significantly. The ANW gap insurance fills this gap.

Why is there a gap?

Until 1996, we had the General Widows and Orphans Act (AWW) in the Netherlands. That law provided standard financial protection for surviving dependents. The AWW has since been replaced by the ANW.

The big difference: the ANW only pays out if strict conditions are met and the amount of the benefit depends on the income of the surviving partner.

When is your partner entitled to ANW benefits?

Your partner will only receive ANW benefit if he or she: is declared at least 45% incapacitated for work; or
cares for a child under the age of 18.

Please note: the benefit is reduced or cancelled in the event of your own income. Think of wages, an early retirement scheme or a WAO benefit.

What can you do?
Do you want to prevent your partner from suddenly having to make a big sacrifice after your death? Then ANW gap insurance is a smart choice. It fills the gap that arises because your partner has no or less right to ANW benefit.

You can take out the insurance easily and without a medical examination through your employer's collective scheme.