What can compensation cover?
A change in future pension accrual may disadvantage some groups. Employers and employee representatives record their choices and any compensation in the transition plan. The administrator assesses feasibility and, where applicable, a balanced consideration of interests. Not everyone aged 40–55 or born in a particular year automatically receives compensation.
Changing the old accrual method and converting accrued rights are separate parts of the transition. Leaving existing rights in an old scheme does not automatically remove a possible disadvantage in future accrual.
How is compensation funded?
Possible routes include additional contributions, use of pension-fund assets at transition and arrangements outside the pension, such as salary. These require specific agreements; they are not a freely available personal balance based on a general age table.
For compensation under the pension tax rules, the contribution limit is temporarily increased from 30% to 33% of the pension base through 2036. Available compensation headroom is 33% minus the ordinary contribution; it is therefore not always limited to 3 percentage points of salary. Scheme terms and fiscal conditions still apply. Compensation through additional pay has different tax and allowance effects from a contribution to a pension.
Watch changes in work and retirement
Participation and circumstances on the relevant reference date can be decisive. Dismissal, changing jobs, reducing hours, leave, becoming self-employed or retiring early can change or remove compensation. Ask both administrators for a personal explanation before moving schemes. A general expectation does not guarantee a payment or future pension.
What should you request?
Ask for the transition plan, your age group’s conditions, reference date, calculation base, funding and the effect of your proposed change. Discuss employment terms with the employer, union or works council. A complaint about administration starts with the administrator; the next route depends on the dispute and the jurisdiction of GIP, Kifid or a court. A collective employment agreement and an administrative error are different kinds of dispute.
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 my age guarantee compensation?
No. Scheme terms, participation, reference dates and personal circumstances determine whether compensation is awarded and how much.
Can changing jobs matter?
Yes. Before changing, ask the old and new administrators what compensation you retain, lose or receive.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.