A new Dutch pension bill changing the rules on pension distribution in the event of a divorce has been postponed until 1 January 2022, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Wouter Koolmes, has announced.

Achmea Pension Services legal policy adviser, Leo Blom, believes this is good news, as it gives pension funds the chance to properly prepare for what it calls a “radical change”.

The bill has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and it will now not be assessed until after the summer break. As a result, the government has had to shift back the introduction date of the bill. The new regime will, therefore, apply to divorces in 2022.

Despite the delay, Blom believes that as it stands the bill is “too complex”, despite the pensions sector making “various suggestions for simplification”. He believes simplification is needed

“There is still a lot of work to be done to adjust the bill so that retirement pensions become easier, divorcing partners can make good agreements and have insight into their choices. The proposal is due to be adopted this autumn. In this way, pension funds and implementing organizations can start work in order to be ready in time for the new rules,” Blom said.

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