On 30 March 2022, a bill was submitted to amend the pension rules in the Netherlands. If this bill is passed, it will probably affect how we organise your pension in the future. It will be some time before you notice the effects of this, but it is important that you know why and when there will be new rules. Not everything will change: your retirement date remains the same and so do the possibilities for early or late retirement.
Why are there new rules for pensions?
Our society has changed considerably in recent years in terms of demographics, economy and the labour market. People are living longer. There are fewer people in work than pensioners, and people are less likely to work for one employer for their entire life. The pension system must adapt itself to this. Therefore, together with employees' and employers' organisations, the government has concluded a pension agreement with new agreements on pensions and AOW (state retirement pension). These agreements must ensure that the pension system is better able to withstand adverse developments on the financial markets and prevent certain generations from being disadvantaged in their pension accrual compared to others.
The Pensions Act will need to be amended to put the new agreements into effect. A bill has been submitted for this purpose. If the House of Representatives and the Senate agree to this proposal, the new Pensions Act will enter into force.
When will you notice the changes?
If the bill passes, the new rules are expected to take effect from 1 January 2023. Then it will be a matter for Mars and its affiliated companies. Together, in close contact with the you, they determine the detailed form of your pension. This is expected to be finalised by 1 January 2025 . After that, we will be able to calculate how the changes affect your personal pension and incorporate them into the administration. This must be done by 1 January 2027.
Some parts of the bill are expected to come into effect as soon as by 1 January 2023, such as the possibility of having part of the pension capital paid out as a lump sum upon retirement. If this applies to you, we will of course keep you informed.
What does this mean to you at the moment?
At the moment, nothing has changed in the pension scheme. Your pension accrual, retirement date and pension benefit will continue to be administered in accordance with the current scheme. You can also continue to take advantage of the options for retiring earlier or later. The Mars Pension Fund is in good financial shape
Questions?
Do you have any questions or want more information? We will be happy to help you. You can reach us on business days between 08:30 and 17:00 hours by telephone on (088) 015 79 20 or by e-mail to pensioenservice@marspensioen.nl.