Check sick pay and pension separately
In the usual situation, an employer continues sick pay for up to two years. The statutory starting point is generally 70% within the legal limits, topped up to minimum wage in the first year; that minimum-wage guarantee does not apply in the same way in the second year. A contract or collective agreement can provide more. Exceptions include expiry of a fixed-term contract or an extended sick-pay sanction.
This does not mean every pension scheme always retains 100% of the former salary as its pension base. Ask the employer and administrator which base, contributions and partner cover apply, including during partial return to work. Burnout does not itself establish a separate guaranteed pension outcome.
What is a contribution waiver?
Contribution-free accrual means that, under the scheme, pension accrual continues wholly or partly without you paying contributions for that portion. It differs from a disability pension supplementing your current income. Your first sick day, insured participation, UWV decision, benefit type and subsequent changes can determine eligibility.
There is no uniform national scale under which 50% incapacity always means 50% accrual, or full incapacity always preserves all previous accrual. ABP and PFZW publish different conditions and percentages. Apply their rules only if you belong to that scheme. Request a written calculation showing the base and end date.
Must you apply yourself?
This varies. PFZW describes automatic processing of UWV information; ABP lists applying for its disability pension among the conditions for contribution-free accrual. Do not assume every scheme processes everything automatically or requires the same application. Check receipt, decision timing and any deadline for voluntary additional accrual.
Early pension alongside WIA
Ask UWV in advance whether your particular pension affects your benefit. UWV distinguishes, among other things, pensions from work performed during the benefit period from other income. There is no safe universal rule that IVA is never reduced or that WGA is always reduced by 70% of every pension payment.
Also ask your administrator about the effect on contribution-free accrual, partner pension and lifelong payments. A general percentage reduction for each year of early retirement is not a personal calculation. Keep payslips, UWV decisions, pension statements and written replies, and have suspected errors investigated promptly.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does full incapacity mean full pension accrual?
Not automatically. Your own scheme’s conditions, calculation base and percentages determine the outcome.
Can I take early pension alongside IVA without checking?
Have UWV and your pension administrator assess the specific consequences before deciding. A blanket guarantee of no offset is incorrect.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.