SShureluck

Wet toekomst pensioenen · Dutch pension reform

Your pension is changing. Does the story behind your figure add up?

A new pension scheme may inspire hope, but it can also raise questions. Perhaps your expected pension is lower than you anticipated, or you cannot see why you received little or no transition compensation. You deserve more than a generic answer: you need to understand the choices and calculations made in your case.

What changes in the transition?

The Dutch Future of Pensions Act, known as the Wtp, changes how occupational pensions are built up and paid. Schemes must be adapted by 1 January 2028. They will not all change on the same date or in the same way. Your pension provider should explain what the change means for you personally.

Participants generally receive a projected transition statement before the change and a definitive statement afterwards. Differences between those statements, or between the old and new scheme, deserve a clear explanation. The Dutch financial regulator AFM explains the information providers must give participants (in Dutch).

A lower figure needs an explanation

A disappointing outcome is not automatically a calculation error or an entitlement to damages. Economic assumptions, a fund's financial position and changes in your personal circumstances may all affect the result. But the figures should be understandable and traceable. The AFM says providers should give a personal and clear explanation when the definitive amount is higher or lower than the earlier projection.

That is where an assessment starts: are like-for-like figures being compared, are your personal details correct, and does the explanation actually address your circumstances? Read the AFM's guidance on differences between projected and definitive statements.

What about transition compensation?

The new method of pension accrual may disadvantage some participants. The transition plan describes whether and how compensation will be provided. It is not an automatic entitlement for everyone. If you receive no compensation, or the amount appears too low, the first question is which participant group and calculation apply to you. Changes in employment or scheme membership may also matter.

The Dutch government explains the transition and compensation (in Dutch). Wtp transition compensation is distinct from the statutory severance payment due in certain dismissal cases.

Which documents help tell your story?

  • Your projected and definitive transition statements, if you have received them.
  • Earlier pension statements, letters and explanations from your provider.
  • Information about your salary, working hours, employment and any changes around the transition.
  • The transition plan or compensation information from your employer, pension fund or insurer.

For an initial enquiry, send only a short description. We can then agree which documents are needed and how to provide them securely.

From uncertainty to a focused question

Shureluck compares the information, identifies inconsistencies and helps formulate the right questions for the pension provider. If there are indications of an incorrect personal calculation or inadequate explanation, we assess which next step fits. If the same pattern appears across multiple files, a joint approach may be worth exploring.

An assessment does not guarantee a higher pension or additional compensation. The outcome depends on your scheme, personal circumstances and the available documents.

Content reviewed: 23 September 2026. Sources: AFM and the Dutch government, linked above.