As an employee in Leiden, you usually accrue pension through your employer. The premium is deducted from your salary or paid by your employer.
How does pension accrual work?
At many employers in Leiden, pension is accrued automatically:
- The premium is withheld from your gross salary
- Your employer often contributes a portion of the costs
- You accrue a small portion of your pension annually
- The management of your money is handled by a pension fund or insurer
Different pension schemes
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Average salary scheme | Your pension is based on your average salary |
| Defined contribution scheme | A fixed premium, where the pension depends on investments |
| Final salary scheme | Based on your salary at the end of your career (rare) |
Franchise and accrual percentage
You do not accrue pension over your full salary:
- Franchise: a portion of your salary over which no accrual takes place (due to state pension)
- Pension base: your salary minus the franchise
- Accrual percentage: the annual percentage you accrue (usually 1.5-1.875%)
Pension when changing jobs
If you change employers:
- Your existing pension is retained
- You can consider transferring your pension (value transfer)
- At your new job, you start accruing anew
Frequently asked questions about pension
Do I always have a pension scheme through my work?
Not necessarily. Small companies in Leiden are not required to offer pension. Check your employment contract.
Can I retire early?
Often you can stop 5 years before your state pension age, but you will receive a lower pension amount.
How can I view my accrued pension?
Via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl you get insight into all your pensions from different employers.
Legal support in Leiden
For questions or disputes about pension, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden, located at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases regarding employment and pension law.
Extra questions about pension accrual
How much pension do I save annually?
This varies by scheme and income. In an average salary scheme, the accrual is often 1.5% to 1.875% of your pension base (salary minus franchise). In a defined contribution scheme, it depends on investment results. Ask your employer for details.
What if I work part-time?
You accrue pension over your part-time salary, but the franchise remains the same. This may mean you accrue relatively less. However, employers must treat part-timers equally in terms of accrual percentage.
Can I save extra for pension myself?
Yes, via an annuity or bank savings you can accrue extra with tax benefits (within fiscal limits). Some funds also offer voluntary contributions. Contact an advisor for tailored advice.