Many people think of traveling the world or spending time with grandchildren when they retire. Nevertheless, the number of working pensioners has increased in recent years. Working after retirement also has many advantages. You keep a rhythm, stay in touch with colleagues and your income increases – very important in these times of high inflation. There are a few things you should pay close attention to. Our experts give you the 5 most important points of attention here.
- Discuss it on time
Most collective labor agreements or employment contracts state that your contract ends when you reach state pension age. Is that the case, but would you still like to continue working? Consult with your employer about a new contract in good time. Does your collective labor agreement say nothing about termination of employment at the state pension age? In that case, your existing contract will in principle continue, unless the employer cancels the contract when you reach state pension age – this can be done a little easier once, but only around the time you reach state pension age.
- Watch out for special rules
Special rules apply from your state pension age. Dismissal does not have to be tested preventively at the UWV or the court, and the notice period is only one month. Did you only enter into the agreement after your state pension age? In that case, the 'ordinary' dismissal law applies, with the exception of a number of special conditions. For example, you can indicate to your employer that you want to work more or fewer hours. Your employer can agree to this, but this is not necessary.
- Keep an eye on your rights as an employee
Even if you no longer have to work, you are still entitled to the minimum wage and minimum holiday allowance. Are you getting sick? Then you are entitled to continued payment of wages for a maximum of 13 weeks. Your employer no longer has to pay many contributions from your state pension age. As a result, you are no longer insured against unemployment and incapacity for work. And will you be fired? Then you are not entitled to a transition payment. Because you pay less tax and premiums, you yourself are more profitable and you are also a financially attractive employee for the employer.
- Provide extra income
You usually receive two benefits from your AOW age: the AOW benefit and the supplementary occupational pension benefit. The first is a basic pension from the central government, which everyone who has lived in the Netherlands receives. If you have lived abroad, this may affect the amount of your state pension. You receive a company pension if you have participated in a pension scheme with a pension fund or insurer. Have you accrued pension with multiple employers? Then you may receive several company pensions.
Do you also earn a salary from your state pension age? Then you will continue to receive the AOW and pension benefits. The height remains the same. The AOW benefit starts from your state pension age. You can often postpone your supplementary pension payment or have it start earlier. If you postpone, you will receive a higher benefit later. If you start earlier, you will receive a lower monthly pension benefit.
- Avoid having to pay extra tax
From your state pension age you pay a lower tax rate and fewer premiums. As a result, you have more net of the same gross income. Do you receive wages, an AOW and a pension benefit? Then pay attention: it is possible that you pay too little tax, and that you have to pay extra after your assessment. Fill in a provisional assessment to prevent you from having to pay extra at once. Also make sure that your payroll tax credit is only deducted from one income.
Do you have any questions about this? Feel free to contact us, the experienced professionals of our Service Center are ready to help you. We are available every working day from 8.30 am to 17.00 pm via sc@unie.nl en (0345) 851 963.
