27 July 2026
Replay the webinar: compensation and partner pension
In May, we organised a webinar in which we discussed a number of topics that are important when switching to the new pension rules:
- Compensation: What is it and who gets it?
- Security for your family in the new scheme
- What the switch means when you are near retirement
If you were unable to attend, or if you want to review everything again at your own pace, you can find the webinar on the website.
We are on track to switch to the new rules
PME still plans to switch to the new pension rules on 1 January 2027. From that time onward, a new pension scheme will apply. To find out what this means for you personally, you will have to wait until the autumn. You will then receive an estimate of what the switch will mean for you personally. If we unexpectedly are unable to make the switch on 1 January 2027, then of course you'll hear from us. This situation can arise if something exceptional happens. For example, if our financial health suddenly and seriously deteriorates.
Leaving employment, retiring earlier or working less? Pay attention
If you are thinking about leaving employment or retiring early on or before 1 January 2027, if you expect to be made redundant, if you would like to work less, or if you expect some other change in your work or life, pay close attention. You may receive less or even no compensation when we make the switch. And that has consequences for the amount of your pension. On our website you will find six examples of what this can actually mean. And what you can do if you find yourself in such a situation.
Options for your pension under the new scheme
When you retire, you have a number of options. That is also the case when the new scheme comes into effect on 1 January 2027. However, a number of things will work a little differently from that date. You should be aware of these changes:
- Under the old scheme, you can retire at the earliest from the age of 55. In the new scheme, you can retire at any time within ten years before the start of your state pension.
- You may choose to start with a higher pension first. After that, you will receive a lower pension for the rest of your life. The new scheme will not provide for the opposite: it will no longer be possible to first take a lower pension and then a higher pension.
- You may also take partial retirement. In the new scheme, this is done in two steps. In the first step, you arrange for your pension to pay out in part and in the second step in full.
From 2029, you can opt for a lump sum
People who are about to retire will soon be given a new choice. As from 1 January 2029, you can choose to withdraw a maximum of 10% of your pension pot in one go. We call this a ‘lump sum’. After the House of Representatives, the Senate has now also adopted the Act that makes this possible.
Accruing extra pension yourself outside of PME
Employees and employers in our sector (known as the social partners) establish the terms for your pension with PME. One of which is that the contribution is 27.98% of your pensionable salary (the part of your salary on which you accrue pension). This is slightly less than the 30% allowed under the tax rules. This means that you possible may accrue some extra pension yourself outside of PME (with an insurer or a bank). For example, with an annuity or a pension investment account. Whether this option is something for you, depends on your personal situation.
Accruing extra pension yourself: This is what you need to know
New pension rules becoming increasingly familiar
Webinars, meetings, the website, the magazine and this newsletter - we won't miss an opportunity to update you on the new pension rules. And we see that it works. More and more people know what is about to change and what will remain the same. And what will happen with an important issue like compensation. That's according to a survey we conducted earlier this year.
Looking back on 2025: year ended strongly
In the 2025 annual report, PME looks back on a strong financial year. The funding ratio rose sharply, allowing us to increase pensions by 2.82% as of 1 January 2026. At the same time, we took major steps in 2025 to prepare for the new pension scheme.
PME’s financial health has improved
Our coverage ratio increased in the second quarter of 2026. The coverage ratio indicates whether we have enough cash to pay every pension, now and in the future. The coverage ratio is also important when switching to the new rules, because it determines whether we can give something extra at that time and if so, how much.
We are here for you
Got a question about your pension? We will be happy to help you. You can reach us on any business day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Call 088 194 70 01, chat with us or email deelnemer@pmepensioen.nl.