ABP’s new pension scheme: what does it mean for you?
As of 1 January 2027, ABP will be switching to a new pension scheme. Under the new scheme, everyone will have their own pension pot. The money in that pension pot will be invested by ABP and will fluctuate in line with the financial markets. The aim remains to offer a good pension.
What will change at ABP?
Much will stay the same. For instance, the state pension (AOW) will remain in place and you will continue to accrue pension. Employers and employees will continue to pay contributions and share the windfalls and setbacks. Under the current pension scheme, all ABP participants accrue the same amount of pension for every euro contributed, no matter their age. All of the money goes into one collective pot, which ABP uses for investments and later to make pension payments.
Under the new pension scheme, this will change and everyone will have their own pension pot. The contributions you pay will go directly into your own pension pot. Your pension will grow based on the investment returns applied to your own pot. However, your pension may also decrease if things go against you.
Why is ABP switching to a new pension scheme?
The government, trade unions, employers’ organisations and pension funds recognise that the current pension rules are no longer fit for purpose. People are living longer and changing jobs more often throughout their careers. That’s why new rules need to be introduced while keeping the best aspects of the current scheme, as set out in the 2023 Pensioenwet (in Dutch). All pension funds in the Netherlands must apply these new rules by 1 January 2028. ABP is doing so on 1 January 2027.
Impact of one-off pension compensation payment and supplement
Under the new pension scheme, employees aged over 35 have less time to build up the same level of return as employees under 35. ABP may grant a one-off compensation payment to employees aged 35 and over, provided there are sufficient funds in the collective pension pot at the time the new scheme comes into effect:
- ABP compensation for employees aged 40 and over: If you are employed by Leiden University on 31 December 2026 (or are accruing an ABP pension somewhere else) and are aged between 40 and 68, you may be eligible for the one-off compensation payment.
- Extra supplement from ABP for employees aged 35 to 44: If you are employed by Leiden University on 31 December 2026 and are aged 35 to 44 years, you will be eligible for an extra supplement. The supplement is intended to make the transition fairer for this age group.
In certain situations, the amount of pension compensation and supplement may change. This could happen, for example, if you reduce your working hours or leave your job in 2026. That’s why it is important to discuss your employment plans with your manager in good time.
Register for the webinar on the new pension rules
On Monday 11 May, ABP will hold an online webinar (in Dutch) about the new pension rules, specifically for Leiden University staff. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar, but personal pension matters are not meant to be discussed in detail. There are 60 spaces on the webinar. The webinar will not be recorded and cannot be viewed later.
Monday 11 May
11.00-12.30
Register here (in Dutch) ABP - Aanmelden De nieuwe regels voor pensioen - Universiteit Leiden]
More information
Leiden University and ABP will keep you updated about the upcoming changes through their own channels over the coming period.
- More information about the changes to the pension scheme is available here (in Dutch)
- To find out whether the pension compensation or supplement applies to you, and the amounts of these payments, you can calculate an estimate here (in Dutch)
- For specific questions about the new pension scheme, compensation and supplement, you can contact ABP directly: Contact us | ABP