Frequently asked questions
SPF Information meeting 2025 now available
In May 2025, SPF held a series of information meetings for members at various locations in the Netherlands. These meetings looked back at 2024 and looked ahead to future pension rules.
During the sessions, we looked back on the year 2024 and looked ahead to the future of pensions. Also elaborating on the new pension scheme.
Were you unable to attend? No worries. The full presentation of the meeting on 8 May in Geleen, presented by Math Peeters and Maurice Pelsers, is now available as a video recording.
Watch the entire meeting below:
During the information meetings, we looked at the new pension scheme in more detail. It was also possible for attendees to ask questions about the new pension scheme.
At the bottom of this page, you will find a list of frequently asked questions..
Frequently asked questions about the new pension
Review meeting
It was also possible for attendees to ask questions about the new pension scheme. Many of these questions concerned the PPS (pre-pension balance), premium compensation and the surviving dependent's pension. The meetings really emphasised how important it is to learn about what the new pension scheme means for you early on. If you are well informed, you can look ahead with confidence.
See below for a clear presentation about the new pension scheme. Presented by Maurice Pelsers.
Check out the meeting below:
It was also possible for attendees to ask questions about the new pension scheme. Many of these questions concerned the PPS (pre-pension balance), contribution compensation and the survivor's pension. The meetings really emphasised how important it is to learn about what the new pension scheme means for you early on.
At the bottom of this page, you will find a list of frequently asked questions.
Can't find the answer to your question? Please contact the SPF Pension Desk
Frequently asked questions - Short videos, clear answers
● Will the surviving dependent's pension in the new scheme be significantly less than in the current scheme?
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Short answer: lt very much depends on your personal situation.
In general:The surviving dependent’s pension will improve for employees who have already accrued survivor's pensions in the old scheme and for employees who at a later age join SPF.
The surviving dependent’s pension for young people may be somewhat lower.
● In the new pension at retirement date, can you still choose to exchange a partner’s pension for a retirement pension?
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Short answer: Yes, in that sense, nothing changes in the new pension.
● My question has not been answered... How can I find out more based on my situation?
This page is regularly updated with frequently asked questions.
Can't find your question here? Or do you need more clarity regarding your own situation?
Please contact the SPF Pension Desk.
● Does it matter whether you retire before or after 1 January 2027?
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Short answer: Yes, that matters for entitlement to premium compensation, for example. You won't get that if you retire on 1 January 2027. Will you retire around 1 January 2027? SPF's Pension Desk will help you understand the consequences of quitting before or after that date.
● Does the new pension hold more purchasing power than the old pension?
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Short answer: We do expect that. As the current strict rules for granting indexation are dropped, we can increase your pension sooner.The downside is that pensions may also decrease if the economy does not perform well for a longer period.
● How are the pension pots calculated?
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Short answer: SPF calculates the value of the pension you have now. That value goes into your pension pot.If you are entitled to premium compensation, that amount comes on top. Is SPF's funding level higher than 111.5% on the transition date? Then your pension will go up further, how much will be added, we do not know at this stage.
● How can I check whether the amount in my pension pot is correct?
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Short answer: You can't check that yourself. But there are all kinds of parties that will check for you whether SPF calculates the amount correctly, for example:The Dutch Central Bank checks whether SPF's calculation data is reliable and if the systems SPF uses give enough safeguards to do the calculations properly; A certifying actuary checks if the calculation has been done correctly; An accountant checks if the data before and after the transition is still correct.
● How do we know whether SPF distributes the pension assets properly?
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A lot of parties are checking to see if SPF is doing this right. SPF's board is monitored by: SPF's Accountability Council and Supervisory Board, and the Dutch Central Bank.
● Your pension will soon depend on how much is in your pension pot and on interest rates. What is SPF doing to protect your pension from low interest?
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Short answer: For example, SPF invests in bonds to ensure that your pension does not depend too much on the level of interest rates. And SPF wants to use other investments to ensure that there is a chance of sufficient returns to protect the purchasing power of your pension.
● Is it beneficial to have your PPS balance paid out before the transition?
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Short answer: This depends on your individual situation and is best discussed with SPF's Pension Desk. What matters, for example: Whether or not you want to stop working (completely) when the PPS comes into effect; How your PPS is taxed when you have it paid out; How much pension you can get for your PPS before or after the transition.
● Can I start my PPS in March 2027?
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Short answer: No, after the transition date to the new pension, your PPS balance is added to your pension pot and the pre-pension scheme no longer exists. You can then have your retirement pension take effect and get a higher pension in the first few years. This way, you can replicate what you would otherwise have done with the PPS balance.
● If I use my PPS in November 2026, will it continue beyond the transition date?
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Short answer: Yes. If your PPS enters before the transition date, after that it will continue as according to the agreements made.
● Does it matter whether you retire before or after 1 January 2027?
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Short answer: Yes, that matters for entitlement to premium compensation, for example. You won't get that if you retire on 1 January 2027. Will you retire around 1 January 2027? SPF's Pension Desk will help you understand the consequences of quitting before or after that date.
● How does SPF calculate the amount of premium compensation?
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Short answer: The amount depends on your pension base (which is your pensionable salary minus about €18,500) multiplied by a percentage that depends on depends on your age.
Example for a 52-year-old employee:
| Pensionable salary | € 100,000 | |
| reduced by | - | € 20,000 - |
| compensation 60% (at age 52) |
x | € 80,000 |
| = | € 45,000 |
For a detailed graph of the premium compensation, please check Attachment 4 of the Transition plan.
● If I am entitled to premium compensation, when will I get it?
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Short answer: You are entitled to premium compensation if you Work at SABIC on 1 January 2027, and belong to the eligible age group. You will receive the premium compensation as a one-off payment into your pension pot on the transition date to the new pension