Pension scheme rules set to change from 1 January 2026
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We have clarified and updated our pension scheme rules in several respects. The changes will take effect on 1 January 2026.
The main changes are as follows:
- Continuation during the PAWW scheme will end as of 31 December 2026
Do you receive a benefit under the PAWW scheme? In that case, you can temporarily continue accruing your pension with PME. The PAWW scheme provides extra income if your unemployment benefit or WGA benefit stops. You will then receive a supplement for a maximum of 14 months. During this PAWW period, PME will pay half of your pension contribution if you continue to accrue pension rights.
This scheme will end on 1 January 2027. PME will therefore pay part of your contribution until no later than 31 December 2026. - The WIA top-up scheme will end as of 1 January 2026
Does your employer have a WIA top-up scheme with PME? From 1 January 2026, PME will no longer offer this scheme.
What is the WIA top-up scheme?
If you become occupationally disabled, you will receive a WIA benefit. This benefit applies up to a maximum salary. If you earn more than the maximum, you will miss out on a portion of your income. The WIA top-up scheme fills this gap. This way, you will also receive a benefit for the part of your salary above the WIA ceiling.
What does this mean for you?
Did you already receive a WIA top-up payment from PME before 1 January 2026? In that case, you will continue to receive this. Did you become occupationally disabled later and was your first day of illness before 1 January 2026? In that case as well, you will continue to be covered by PME’s WIA top-up scheme.
Calculation factors
On 1 January each year, we adjust the calculation factors. We use these factors to calculate your pension. For example:
- if you want to retire earlier or later;
- if you exchange a portion of your pension for additional partner’s pension when you retire, or vice versa.
Clarifications
Some of the text of the scheme rules has been clarified while preserving the meaning. You will find these changes in our new pension scheme rules. We will publish them in Documents in early January. If you would like to receive a personal copy of the rules, please contact us.