Some people will receive a one-off extra amount in their pension pot once we switch to the new pension rules. You can read more about this below.

What is this extra amount?
The switch is expected to be beneficial for most people. However, for one group of people there will also be a disadvantage. That disadvantage is greatest for people around the age of 50. They are expected to accrue less pension in the future than under the old scheme.

This is why, at the time of the switch, these people will receive a one-off extra amount in their pension pot. This amount is also known as compensation. This will enable us to maintain their expected pension as much as possible as well.

Will I receive an extra amount?
You will only receive an extra amount if the following two conditions apply to you:  

• You were born in the period from 1 February 1960 until 31 December 1993.
• You accrue a pension with PME on 31 December 2026 and 1 January 2027.

What amount can I expect?
This depends on different things, such as your age and your salary, but also the financial health of PME at the time of the switch. That is why we can only make a precise calculation of this amount a few months after the switch, by the end of June 2027 at the latest. You will find the exact amount on the overview of your pension that you will receive from us in that period.

If you would like to know more before that time – for example, because you are thinking about leaving the sector, because you want your pension to come into payment in part or in full or because you want to work less – get in touch with us so that we can make a cautious estimate for you. This will give you a rough idea of how the extra amount will impact your monthly pension and what the most sensible course of action is in your situation.

What if I leave employment on or before 1 January 2027?
If you are moving to another company in the sector and you continue to accrue pension with PME, you will be eligible for compensation.

If you leave the sector and no longer accrue a pension with PME at the time of the switch, you will not receive any compensation. Take this into account and check whether you are eligible for compensation from your new pension fund or insurer.

If you do not have a new pension provider, for example because you do not have a new job, you are self-employed or your new employer does not offer a compulsory pension scheme, you can continue accruing a pension with PME at your own expense, subject to certain conditions. In that case, you will receive an extra amount. Please ensure that we receive your application by 1 March 2027 at the latest.  

What if I retire on or before 1 January 2027?
If you want your pension to start paying out in full and you are no longer accruing a pension with us, you will not receive compensation. In that case, you will no longer accrue a pension under the new rules and will therefore not experience a disadvantage.

What if I defer my pension until after the switch?
Of course, that’s possible. Bear in mind, however, that you will only receive an extra amount if you are at most 66 years old at the time of the switch and you are still accruing pension at that time. It’s also worth noting that, for people aged 65 or over, the sums involved are not particularly large. So don’t let the prospect of an additional amount be the sole factor guiding your decision. ●

Would you like to know more?
Please go to pmepensioen.nl/en/extra-amount.

Watch the webinar
In May, we organised a webinar on this subject. If you didn’t see it or if you want to watch it again at your own pace, go to pmepensioen.nl/en/webinars.

Question for the pension consultant
LYNDA VAN DER PAS

I want to work fewer hours before the end of the year. Will this affect my extra amount?

‘Yes. Your salary will be lower, and therefore the extra amount you can expect will also be lower. On our website, you can find useful calculation examples about this and other situations. That will hopefully offer some clarity. If not, you can always contact us for a cautious estimate.’