Would you like to work fewer hours? Then take a moment to think about your pension.

If you reduce your working hours or take unpaid leave (for example for a sabbatical, study or care), this affects your pension. Not only for you, but also for your partner and children.

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What changes? Unpaid leave? What can you do? Reducing your hours Pension planner

What changes when you work fewer hours?

Fewer hours = less pension? 🤔

If you work fewer hours, you will also accrue less pension. This is because your pension is calculated based on your salary. Fewer hours = lower salary = lower pension.

The first years you participate in the pension scheme count extra towards the amount of pension you receive later. What you don’t add now is harder to make up later.

What does this mean for you?

👉 You will receive less pension later.
👉 Your partner’s pension and orphan’s pension (if you pass away) will also be lower.
👉 Your state pension (AOW) stays the same – it does not depend on your working hours.

Check what you can do about this.

Unpaid leave? Pay attention to the following

  • During unpaid leave, you do not accrue pension unless your employer continues paying the contributions.
  • Does your leave last a maximum of 18 months? Then your partner/children keep their entitlement to surviving dependent's pension if you pass away during that period. This also applies if your employer stops paying contributions. If your leave lasts longer than 18 months, this entitlement expires.

What can you do?

✅ Check in My PDN Pension how your own pension, and that of your partner and children, will change if you work fewer hours.

âś…Consider whether you need to make additional arrangements for yourself and your partner/children.

âś… Weigh the benefits of more free time against the financial consequences.
That way, you know exactly where you stand – now and later.

Reducing your hours: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

✅ More time for yourself, hobbies, family

✅ Less stress, better health

✅ Possibly more entitlement to income-dependent government support

Disadvantages

❌ Lower income

❌ Less pension later

❌ Lower partner’s pension and orphan’s pension

❌ Lower disability pension

Would you like to know how your choices affect your pension income?

Log in to My PDN Pension and check the pension planner.

mijn.pdnpensioen.nl

Unsure about your options?

Don’t hesitate to contact our Pension Desk. They can help you get everything clear so you can make the choice that best suits you.

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