"Received a letter about your pension and not sure what it's about? Visit us and we will help you!"
In the Sterrenburg district of Dordrecht, we speak to Marleen. She works at the Papierwinkel and helps local residents with all kinds of questions, for example about their pension.
“There’s times when you’re not sure about the contents of a letter. Or you don’t know what matters to take care of or what you’re entitled to. In Dordrecht, there are many organisations that can help with questions about money matters. One example is the Papierwinkel. We help you take care of all the details.”
A lot can change when you retire
Retirement means you’re old enough to stop working. You’ll start receiving a state pension. If you were in employment, you may also receive a pension from your employer. Retirement changes your life, Marleen admits. “You often have less money. As a result, you’ll have less opportunity for nice things. You’ll possibly also miss the contact with your colleagues. Indeed, not only your financials change, but also your social life. We can help you with any questions and concerns you have about this.”
Applying for your pension
From your 67th birthday, you will receive a state pension. About four months before you turn 67, you will receive a letter from the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB). You will have to apply for AOW yourself. According to Marleen, some people have difficulty with this. “You have to apply for your AOW digitally. Some people don’t know how to do this. You can of course ask friends or family for help. Alternatively, you can also visit a Money Chat partner like the Papierwinkel.”
Knowing what you are entitled to
“Sometimes you will end up with less income following your retirement,” Marleen continues. “Especially if you have accrued no or little pension. At the Papierwinkel, we help you gain proper insight into your finances. Together we will figure out what you are entitled to. We will help you apply for the correct allowances and supplements. When you’re doing things by yourself, it’s often hard to know what the possibilities are. But with the right help, there are often more possibilities than you may think.”
For all your questions and concerns
It’s not just your money matters that change as you get older. Your day-to-day life also looks different. For example, you may feel lonely because you meet fewer people. Or you need to take care of a lot of administration. For example, because you require care, or because you are moving to a different type of home. The Papierwinkel can help with that too, explains Marleen. “We look at the whole picture. We are there to assist you, so please don’t hesitate to step in with your questions and concerns.”
Everyone is welcome
At the Papierwinkel, anyone from the neighbourhood is welcome, says Marleen. “We help everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how much you earn or how long you’ve lived here. You can always visit us or call for an appointment. We also go directly to people’s homes. Here we can have a good chat and figure out what they need. I’m proud of the fact that our neighbourhood residents trust us. We try hard to help everyone. But we don’t take care of everything, of course, we also teach you how to do things yourself.”
Help is always nearby
Sometimes there are questions the Papierwinkel cannot help with. In that case, we will refer you to an organisation that can help you. “The Papierwinkel is a partner of Money Chat. As well as 30 other organisations in Dordrecht. It doesn’t matter which partner you visit. We collaborate closely and make sure you get help from the right partner.”
Talking helps
It definitely helps to talk about your worries. You’ll realise you don’t have to face your problems by yourself. It’s nice when someone listens to you. Friends, family, neighbours or one of Money Chat’s many partners. You can talk about your retirement, but also about other subjects. For example, about your money matters, administration or the letters you receive, Marleen explains. “When something changes in your life, you often take care of a lot of administrative tasks. You may have difficulties with this and decide not to do it. However, you may then not receive the money you are entitled to. That is why it is good to ask for help. The Paper Shop and all other Money Chat partners are here to help you.”