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I work for an international organisation. My partner doesn’t work and is covered by the Dutch system. How does this affect their social security situation?

You live in the Netherlands and work for an international organisation like NATO or the International Criminal Court. Your partner does not work in the Netherlands, nor do they receive any Dutch social security benefits. The seat agreement between your employer and the Dutch government does not exclude your partner from the Dutch social security system. In that case your partner falls under the Dutch social security system.

What happens if the Dutch social security system applies to your partner?

Dutch legislation determines whether your partner is insured under the following Acts:

  • the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW);
  • the Surviving Dependants Act (ANW) (a benefit for you and your children in the event of your partner’s death);
  • the General Child Benefit Act (AKW) and child budget (benefit for your children);the Chronic Care Act (WLZ) and the Healthcare Insurance Act (ZVW) (reimbursement of medical costs);
  • the Sickness Benefits Act (benefit for the first two years of illness);
  • the Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA) (a benefit your partner receives if they are still unfit for work after two years’ illness);
  • the Unemployment Insurance Act (WW) (benefit if your partner loses their job).

Conditions for insurance

The conditions for insurance are different for each scheme. Ask the benefits agency (SVB or UWV) what conditions apply to your partner.