Dutch Pensioners to See Important Increases as New System Takes Effect
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Millions of dutch workers and pensioners, notably those affiliated with Pensioenfonds Zorg en Welzijn (PFZW), are poised to receive substantially higher pensions next year, with increases anticipated to reach as high as 10 percent. The boost comes ahead of a major shift to a new pension system in 2026, and is driven by current interest rates and a rising fund coverage ratio, PFZW confirmed following reporting by AD.
The impending changes represent a landmark moment for the Dutch pension landscape. Approximately 3 million individuals connected to PFZW will benefit from the increase, which will be finalized early next year based on December figures.This positive outlook extends beyond PFZW, with the Metal and technology pension fund (PMT) and BPF construction also projecting significant rises – perhaps nearing 20 percent for construction workers – due to favorable coverage ratios.
The transition to the new pension system, set to begin with PFZW in 2026, fundamentally alters how pension funds operate. The new rules require smaller financial buffers, allowing funds to more readily increase pensions when performing well. While the possibility of future reductions remains, a PFZW spokesperson indicated the likelihood is “very small.” The system will prioritize investment returns over coverage ratios and interest rates when determining pension adjustments.
Not all funds are transitioning together.ABP,the Netherlands’ largest pension fund,will adopt the new system in January 2027.
