Is your retirement approaching? Take control of your future
Your retirement is getting closer. You actually have more choices than you might think. Don’t let them take you by surprise. The decisions you make now can help you built your life the way you want it. Take the time to explore which options suit you.
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Is your retirement approaching? Take control of your future
What are the options?
You can stop working as early as 10 years before your State Pension Age (AOW age). If you want to do so, request your pension three to six months before you want to stop working.
Do you prefer to continue working longer rather than retire early? This is allowed up to 5 years after you reach your State Pension Age (AOW age). However, this is only possible in consultation with your employer.
Many people choose to start their pension at the same time as their State Pension, but you don’t have to. You can choose what best fits your situation.
What are the options?
Your options
• Full or partial retirement? +
Would you like to gradually reduce your workload? Then you can also take partial retirement: working a few days a week and enjoying more free time the rest of the week. This can help you find a balance between the best of both worlds.
• You may wish to have a higher or even a lower pension for a period of time. +
When you retire, you can choose a higher pension in the first years and a bit lower later – or the other way around.
Will you retire before you State Pension Age (AOW age)? Then you can opt for a higher pension until your State Pension starts, so you don’t miss that income.
• Pension for your partner +
Just before your pension starts, you and your partner decide whether your partner should receive a pension. If that is the case, you also need to decide the amount of that pension. This partner’s pension will start if you pass away after retirement.
It is important to note that if you have a former partner from the past, this former partner will also receive a share of the partner’s pension.
• Lump-sum payment +
There will likely be an additional option: You may then take out part of your pension as a one-off lump sum. It is not yet known when this will take effect.
Would you like more information about ‘retiring’ under the current scheme?
Are you applying for your pension before 1 January 2027? You can read how to do this here.