What is the AIO supplement?
The Supplementary Income Provision for the Elderly (AIO) is a benefit for people who have reached the state pension age but have not built up enough AOW pension to make ends meet. The AIO supplement tops up your income to the social minimum — the amount the government considers the minimum subsistence level.
The AIO falls under the Participation Act and is administered by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). It is essentially social assistance for the elderly, but provided through the SVB rather than the municipality.
When are you eligible for the AIO supplement?
You can apply for an AIO supplement if you meet the following conditions:
Reached state pension age
You must have reached the AOW-eligible age. In 2025, this is 67 years. The AOW age is linked to life expectancy and may change in the future.
Incomplete AOW pension
The AIO is intended for people who do not receive the full AOW. This often applies to:
- People who came to the Netherlands later in life and therefore did not build up 50 years of AOW
- People who lived abroad for extended periods
- People who were not insured for AOW for other reasons
Income and assets test
As with social assistance, an income and assets test applies. The SVB examines:
- Your total income (AOW, pension, foreign pension, other income)
- Your assets (savings, investments, real estate)
- The income and assets of your partner
The asset threshold in 2025 is €8,261 for singles and €16,521 for married/cohabiting couples. Your own home generally does not count as assets, provided you live in it.
Amount of the AIO supplement
The amount of the AIO supplement is the difference between your total income and the social minimum. Monthly amounts (net, 2025):
- Single: approximately €1,345 net per month (including AOW)
- Married/cohabiting: approximately €1,851 net per month combined (including AOW)
For example, if you receive an incomplete AOW of €800 per month and are single, your AIO supplement would be approximately €545 per month.
Filing an objection against an AIO decision
Deadline
If you disagree with an SVB decision about your AIO supplement, you can file an objection within six weeks of the decision date. This deadline is strict.
Grounds for objection
Common grounds include:
- The SVB incorrectly assessed your assets (e.g., overvaluing foreign property)
- The SVB counts income you don't receive (e.g., a discontinued foreign pension)
- The SVB incorrectly applied the cost-sharing standard
- You did provide all requested information
- The SVB incorrectly assessed your living situation
Appeal to the court
If your objection is denied, you can appeal to the district court within six weeks. Further appeal is possible at the Central Appeals Tribunal (CRvB).
Contact Arslan & Arslan Advocaten at 070 4500 300 or visit arslan.nl for an initial assessment of your case.