From January next year, pension savers will be able to withdraw part of their pension money once. This is an extra option in the new pension system, with which someone could, for example, bridge the period until the AOW starts. The question is whether it is wise to make use of this arrangement: the National Institute for Budget Information (Nibud) also sees disadvantages.
The settlement has not yet been finalized and not all details are known. For 100,000 to 150,000 people who are now about to retire, it is of great importance that clarity is provided, says Nibud.
Because it is still uncertain to what extent withdrawing pension money has consequences for, for example, rent and health care benefits that pension savers may have: after all, you suddenly have more money in the bank.
Withdrawing pension money can lead to a higher (income) tax and health insurance premium for the same reason. In any case, there will be less left in the pension pot, so that the monthly payment after you retire will be lower.
Under the new scheme, the amount may not exceed 10 percent of the pension. It is paid out in one lump sum, and the person who withdraws it decides what it is spent on. Once you have retired, you can no longer use the scheme.
Pure necessity
Although the scheme sounds attractive, it could be disadvantageous for some people who use it, the Nibud warns. This especially applies to people with lower and middle incomes, especially if the amount is withdrawn before the state pension age.
Nibud is afraid that people who already have a (too) low income before their retirement take the money out of sheer necessity and not as a bonus. The institute advocates a tax neutral arrangement, so that those who withdraw money do not lose their allowances or have to pay relatively more tax.
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