SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) letter explained in English
Social insurance bank. Pays child benefit (kinderbijslag) and the state pension (AOW).
Letters you may get
- Beslissing kinderbijslag — whether you get child benefit, and how much
- AOW — your state pension and the date it starts
- Verzoek om informatie — they need proof, for example about your child or a stay abroad
What to do
- Child benefit is paid every 3 months, after the end of each quarter.
- You build up AOW for each year you live or work in the Netherlands. Years abroad can mean a lower AOW.
- Find the deadline. Look for “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”). See the template.
Words you may see
- kinderbijslag
- Child benefit. Money from the SVB to help with the costs of children under 18.
- AOW
- State pension. You build it up for each year you live or work in the Netherlands.
Questions
What is the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank)?
Social insurance bank. Pays child benefit (kinderbijslag) and the state pension (AOW).
How long do I have to answer a letter from the SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “termijn”, “uiterlijk”, “binnen” — they mark the deadline. In the Netherlands, the time to object usually starts the day after the date on the letter (dagtekening), not the day it arrives. So count from the date on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“bezwaar”, “beroep”, “verzet”).
Can I read a SVB (Sociale Verzekeringsbank) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Dutch. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the Netherlands
Belastingdienst · Dienst Toeslagen (Belastingdienst/Toeslagen) · CJIB (Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau) · Gemeente · Waterschap / hoogheemraadschap · UWV · IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) · DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs)