Are you considering unpaid leave? Consider your pension

Are you thinking about a sabbatical, studying, or temporarily caring for someone close to you? Unpaid leave can be very useful in such a case. However, it does have financial consequences, including for your pension. Not only later, but also now. It is good to have a clear overview.

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Unpaid leave What can you do? Advantages and disadvantages

What happens to your pension during unpaid leave?

During unpaid leave, you do not accrue pension for later unless your employer continues paying the contributions.
Will your unpaid leave last no more than 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.
You remain insured for disability only if your employer continues paying the contributions during your leave.

What can you do?

✅ Ask your employer whether they will continue paying pension contributions during your unpaid leave.
✅Consider whether you need to make additional arrangements for yourself (disability) and your partner/children (surviving dependent's pension).
✅ Weigh the benefits of unpaid leave against the disadvantages.
This will ensure you take a well-informed decision, for now and later.

Advantages

✅ More time for care, study, travel, etc.

✅ Space to focus on what truly matters to you.

If your employer continues paying the pension contributions:

You will continue to accrue pension;
Your partner and children will remain insured in the event of your death;
You will remain insured for disability.

Disadvantages

❌ Lower income

If your employer does not pay the pension contributions:

You will not accrue pension for later;
You will not be insured for disability;
Your partner and children will only keep their entitlement to the surviving dependent’s pension if your leave lasts a maximum of 18 months.