Here you will find an overview of important pension dates and the pension application process.

Three pension terms that you will encounter when you want to retire are:

- Retirement date

The retirement date is the first day of the month in which the retirement pension for the (former) participant starts (early). This means that if, for example, you want to retire on May 15, the actual retirement date will be May 1. The payment therefore always starts on the first day of the month, regardless of the day on which you reach retirement age.

- Regular retirement date

The regular retirement date is the first day of the month following the month in which the participant becomes entitled to a benefit under the AOW (General Old Age Pensions Act). This date often coincides with the retirement date, but that is not always the case. For example: if your state pension starts on August 12, the regular retirement date is 1 September.

- Retirement standard date

The standard retirement date is set on the first day of the month following the month in which you reach the age of 68. This is also the latest date on which the pension must start. The pension fund does not offer the possibility to postpone the pension further after this date. So, if you turn 68 in April, the standard retirement date is May 1.

Example

Suppose Mr. Bierhaalder turns 68 in June. His standard retirement date is then July 1. However, his state pension will already start on May 15, so his regular retirement date is June 1. If he wants to retire earlier, for example on April 1, he must take action himself.

The steps 'retire'

We always inform participants and former participants six months before the regular retirement date. This way, everyone will be informed well in advance about the upcoming retirement and the choices that can be made.

• Do you want to retire earlier than the regular retirement date? Then you have to take action yourself. Contact us to indicate when you want to retire. If you are retiring from active employment, make sure that your manager is aware of your wish to retire.

• Applying for early retirement must be done no later than three months before the desired retirement date.

• You will receive all the necessary information about starting the pension and choices around it.

• We will guide you in making these choices (from mid-2026) via My Pension and it is always possible to contact us for a personal meeting.

In summary

Three pension concepts that you will encounter when you want to retire are:

1. Retirement date: The first day of the month in which the pension starts (early).

2. Regular retirement date: Often the same as the retirement date, but based on the start of the state pension scheme.

3. Standard retirement date: The latest effective date, linked to reaching the age of 68.

Do you want to retire early? Then make sure you submit an application at least three months in advance at the Heineken Pension Fund and be well informed about the possibilities. We are always ready to guide you through this via My Pension or personal contact.