Pension transition in practice

As of 1 July, we are dealing with a pension transition. Although it will take more than 4 years before pension schemes from the new Future Pensions Act (Wtp) must be fully implemented, you have to deal with the changes before. As an employer and entrepreneur, you probably need to prepare. And as an employee or pensioner, you want to know where you stand and what you can expect. Lupacompany explains:

What does the pension transition mean for.... 

Employees

Depending on the social partners in the industry or employer, choices will be made about the pension already accrued in the old system and the pension according to the new law. You do not have to arrange anything yourself and will be kept informed by your employer, the trade union and/or pension provider about what the pension transition will mean for you in concrete terms. But you don't have to wait passively. Through your work council you can influence the (intended) decisions of your employer. Do you want to know what the consequences are in your company? Ask your employer what to expect. 

Employers

Are you an employer and does your company fall under a collective labor agreement? Then most of the work related to the pension transition is taken off the hands of the social partners. Parties such as the employers' association, the UWV and the trade union will keep you informed and can answer your questions about actions to be taken. If you are affiliated with a pension insurer or premium pension institution (PPI), decisions will have to be made about the transition from the old to the new system. This can be a complex and labour-intensive process. By drawing up a transition plan in time, in which the workforce is analyzed and the steps to be taken are explained, you start the internal transition thoroughly. The Works Council has the right of consent and can provide input on pension policy. Take the staff along in the process by showing with open communication where you stand as a company and what they can expect. On this website (in Dutch) you will find information for employers, with which you will be guided through the transition process with a toolbox, among other things. Obtaining external advice and/or support is a solution for employers who do not have the knowledge and tools for such a transition.

(Self-employed) entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, you are automatically entitled to AOW, but in most cases you have to arrange your own supplementary pension. With the new rules for pensions, the self-employed will have more room to accrue a tax-advantaged pension from 2024. On the Dutch Governmental website for entrepreneurs, you can find more up-to-date information about pension accrual for entrepreneurs. Lupacompany supports freelancers, entrepreneurs and DGA's with arranging supplementary pensions.

Pensioners

If you are entitled to pension, the pension transition can lead to changes in the payment of your pension. Pension funds can decide for themselves how they deal with people who receive benefits within the new rules. For example, your current benefits may be transferred to the new system. This can affect the amount of the benefit. Are you going to lose out because you are included in the transition? Then it can be stipulated that you will receive compensation, but this is not required by law. The administrator of your pension must inform you in good time and clearly about the consequences of the new rules for you as a pensioner. If you have any questions, please contact your pension fund.