Cases handled by the Netherlands' Pension Funds Disputes Authority (GIP) remained stable in 2025, virtually unchanged from its first year of operation in 2024.

In 2025, GIP handled 461 cases, down from 471 cases the previous year. This figure is much lower than the 800 cases it had previously forecast to handle in 2025.

Last year, it also received 589 requests for information.

Disputes submitted to the organisation covered a wide range of issues, with most relating to dissatisfaction with the amount of pension received or accompanying information.

“In particular, discrepancies between current amounts and previously provided statements lead to confusion and concern. This underlines the importance of providing reliable information and ensuring high data quality,” GIP stated.

However, the organisation said that it received just a few disputes directly related to the new pension system. In contrast, the number of enquiries regarding the Future Pensions Act (Wtp) increased significantly.

These enquiries came from people who were changing jobs, or those concerned about missing out on compensation and the continuation of their pension accrual.

The organisation, established on 1 January 2024, was set up to offer pension scheme members an accessible and independent option outside of the traditional court system.

Under the GIP model, members can choose either mediation through the pensions ombudsman or adjudication by the disputes committee. In the latter, participants can opt for either a binding or non-binding decision.

Looking forward, GIP said it “remains difficult” to predict how the number of Wtp-related disputes will develop in 2026 and 2027.

“As long as the financial position of pension funds remains sound in relation to the transfer of members, a sharp rise is not likely. At the same time, GIP is prepared to scale up its operations should there be a higher influx of cases,” it stated.

The organisation also praised Dutch pension funds for being “receptive to feedback” and “willing to learn from it”.

“This applies both to the recommendations of the Pensions Ombudsman and the rulings of the disputes committee, as well as to direct, one-to-one feedback from GIP.

“Pension funds are acting on suggestions regarding, for example, clearer communication and a more empathetic approach to complaints. This attitude helps to prevent disputes and to strengthen participants’ confidence in the pension system,” it stated.

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