The most important steps at a glance
Switching to the new rules is complex. Below, you can see what steps have already been taken and what you can expect in the coming period.
2019 Pension agreement
The old pension rules were becoming restrictive. People now change jobs more frequently, take breaks from work or start their own business. And when the economy is doing well, pensions often don’t increase. This is why employers, employees and the government agreed to resolve the bottlenecks. They signed what is known as the pension agreement in 2019.
2019-2023 Legislation
The pension agreement was incorporated into legislation: the Future Pensions Act. Pension funds have until 1 January 2028 to adopt the new pension rules.
2023-2024 Agreements between social partners
Employee and employer associations in our sector – referred to as the social partners – engaged in talks to decide on the structure of PME’s new pension scheme and the transition process. In November 2024, PME received the transition plan. All agreements were laid down in this document.
2025-2026 Preparation
PME has begun implementing the agreements in the transition plan. We carefully consider whether the arrangements are balanced, realistic and feasible. We also prepare the administration and systems for the future.
October - november 2026 Provisional calculation
Before the switch, you will receive a personalised overview from us. This will contain a comparison of your pension amounts under the old and new schemes.
Only a few more weeks: important information about your pension
We regularly receive questions about the new pension rules. People especially want to know how the new rules will affect them personally and financially.
This is a justified question, of course. The answer is: we won’t know until after the switch. This is because our financial situation at the time of the switch will determine whether we can distribute extra money and how much.
However, we can make an estimate. You will receive a provisional calculation in October or November, showing how your pension compares under the old and new schemes. This will give you an idea of what you can expect.
It is important that you read the overview. After all, this is about your future income. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you.
October 2026 - january 2027 Meetings
Come to a meeting in Hoofddorp, Hengelo, Rotterdam or Eindhoven to learn more about the switch and what it means for you personally. Please note: these meetings are in Dutch. If you are interested in joining us for one of these Dutch events, register via pmepensioen.nl/bijeenkomsten.
December 2026 Webinar
We will organise a Dutch webinar on 16 December. If you understand Dutch, register via pmepensioen.nl/en/webinars. We will upload a video with English subtitles and visuals so you can watch the webinar in the new year.
1 january 2027 Start of new scheme
PME intends to make the switch on 1 January 2027. On that date, the old scheme will end and the new scheme will come into effect. All pensions will be converted to the new scheme. If, unexpectedly, we are unable to make the switch on that date, we will inform you. This situation may arise due to exceptional circumstances – for example, if our financial health suddenly declines substantially.
By the end of June 2027 at the latest Definitive calculation
You will receive a personal message from us, this time with the definitive calculation of your pension. If there are any differences compared to the provisional calculation you received at the end of 2026, we will explain them. ●
 |
Question for the pension consultant I want to retire in late 2026 or early 2027. Is that possible? ‘Yes, you can start receiving your pension at any time. Please bear in mind that the online pension planner will not be available during the second half of December 2026 and throughout January 2027. Good to know: we’ll still be here to help during this period. There will be a notice on our website as soon as you’re able to make calculations again.’ |
The most important steps at a glance
Switching to the new rules is complex. Below, you can see what steps have already been taken and what you can expect in the coming period.
2019 Pension agreement
The old pension rules were becoming restrictive. People now change jobs more frequently, take breaks from work or start their own business. And when the economy is doing well, pensions often don’t increase. This is why employers, employees and the government agreed to resolve the bottlenecks. They signed what is known as the pension agreement in 2019.
2019-2023 Legislation
The pension agreement was incorporated into legislation: the Future Pensions Act. Pension funds have until 1 January 2028 to adopt the new pension rules.
2023-2024 Agreements between social partners
Employee and employer associations in our sector – referred to as the social partners – engaged in talks to decide on the structure of PME’s new pension scheme and the transition process. In November 2024, PME received the transition plan. All agreements were laid down in this document.
2025-2026 Preparation
PME has begun implementing the agreements in the transition plan. We carefully consider whether the arrangements are balanced, realistic and feasible. We also prepare the administration and systems for the future.
October - november 2026 Provisional calculation
Before the switch, you will receive a personalised overview from us. This will contain a comparison of your pension amounts under the old and new schemes.
Only a few more weeks: important information about your pension
We regularly receive questions about the new pension rules. People especially want to know how the new rules will affect them personally and financially.
This is a justified question, of course. The answer is: we won’t know until after the switch. This is because our financial situation at the time of the switch will determine whether we can distribute extra money and how much.
However, we can make an estimate. You will receive a provisional calculation in October or November, showing how your pension compares under the old and new schemes. This will give you an idea of what you can expect.
It is important that you read the overview. After all, this is about your future income. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you.
October 2026 - january 2027 Meetings
Come to a meeting in Hoofddorp, Hengelo, Rotterdam or Eindhoven to learn more about the switch and what it means for you personally. Please note: these meetings are in Dutch. If you are interested in joining us for one of these Dutch events, register via pmepensioen.nl/bijeenkomsten.
December 2026 Webinar
We will organise a Dutch webinar on 16 December. If you understand Dutch, register via pmepensioen.nl/en/webinars. We will upload a video with English subtitles and visuals so you can watch the webinar in the new year.
1 january 2027 Start of new scheme
PME intends to make the switch on 1 January 2027. On that date, the old scheme will end and the new scheme will come into effect. All pensions will be converted to the new scheme. If, unexpectedly, we are unable to make the switch on that date, we will inform you. This situation may arise due to exceptional circumstances – for example, if our financial health suddenly declines substantially.
By the end of June 2027 at the latest Definitive calculation
You will receive a personal message from us, this time with the definitive calculation of your pension. If there are any differences compared to the provisional calculation you received at the end of 2026, we will explain them. ●
Question for the pension consultant
ELLEN BIJNSDORP
I want to retire in late 2026 or early 2027. Is that possible?
‘Yes, you can start receiving your pension at any time. Please bear in mind that the online pension planner will not be available during the second half of December 2026 and throughout January 2027. Good to know: we’ll still be here to help during this period. There will be a notice on our website as soon as you’re able to make calculations again.’
