Frequently asked questions

We expect to switch to the new pension scheme on 1 January 2027. Your pension will then be converted to the new pension scheme. You need to make an important choice: whether to opt for a fixed or variable pension in the future.

What does this choice mean?
When switching to the new scheme in 2027, you will make a one-off choice for either a variable pension with SSPF or a fixed benefit with an external pension insurance company.

Will you opt for a variable pension with SSPF?
In this situation, your benefit will not be determined in advance. This is because the pension fund reinvests variable pensions. You directly benefit from positive investment results as a result. The expectation is that variable pensions pay out more than fixed pensions. However, variable pensions may pay out less when times are tough. We will review investment results and adjust benefits on an annual basis.

We will maintain a buffer to avoid large pension-benefit reductions as much as possible. The results of investments are spread over five years as well. This prevents large fluctuations. SSPF has deliberately chosen one collective variable pension (CVP), based on the positive experiences SNPS has had with it in the last 10 years.

Will you opt for a fixed pension?
Then you buy a fixed benefit with your pension pot from an external pension insurance company. The amount of the fixed benefit to be bought depends on the interest rate at the time and the terms of the pension insurance company in question. SSPF is looking at the possibility of working with an external pension insurance company to offer attractive (group) purchase rates to retirees who want a fixed benefit. Alternatively, you could choose a fixed benefit with another pension insurance company.

You do not have to make a final decision on whether to opt for a variable or fixed benefit until 2027. By then, you will have received detailed information and support from SSPF and be able to make an informed decision: a decision that’s best for your personal situation.

We will maintain a buffer to maximise the stability of pensions. Any remaining assets will be divided among all the participants.
Because the investment risk will lie with you after the transition, it will no longer be necessary for SSPF to maintain high buffers. However, we will maintain a buffer (risk-sharing reserve) to avoid benefit reductions wherever possible. Besides several other limited (statutory) buffers, the rest of the fund assets will be allocated to participants in the form of personal retirement capital.

We expect to switch to the new pension scheme on 1 January 2027. You will still accrue a pension but will have your own, personal pension pot. Any pension accrued already will be converted to the new scheme and we add this to your pension pot. Read more below:

• You will accrue a personal pension pot that fluctuates in line with investment results.
  You and your employer will pay a contribution every month. It will be invested for you. Your pension pot may grow if investments do well but could also decrease if they do less well. This means that the amount you receive each month when you retire will not be fixed in advance.
  
  SSPF invests for the long term. This helps us limit risks and increase the chance of a positive yield.
• You can decide how much risk we take when investing on your behalf.
  We can invest your pension pot based on one of the following three risk profiles: less risk, average risk or more risk. From 1 January 2027, you will be able to decide which profile suits you best on my-Shell pension. If you don't choose a profile, we will invest your pension pot based on the ‘average risk’ profile.
• The employer contribution of 21% is the same every year.
  This can be advantageous or disadvantageous compared to your current pension contribution. If disadvantageous, SSPF will compensate you. Shell’s contribution percentage as of 1 January 2027 will be the same for participants of every age. Whether and how much compensation will be paid to your pension pot is determined for each year of birth.
• In the new scheme, you can decide how much extra you want to contribute to your pension.
  You will pay a contribution of 2% from your gross salary at the very least. This is the fixed contribution. The new pension scheme will allow you to be flexible and contribute more to your pension yourself. This is the flexible contribution. You can choose to contribute up to 7% extra on top of the 2%. By default, your contribution is set at 7% (2% fixed + 5% flexible). You will be able to make this choice via Workday as of 2027.
  
• The partner’s and orphan’s pensions are going to change.
  Your partner will only receive a lifelong partner's pension if you die while you are still working for Shell. The same will apply to participants with an incapacity for work but entitled to the non-contributory continuation of pension accrual with SSPF. Your partner will also receive the partner's pension already accrued under the old scheme. Your children will receive an orphan’s pension if you die while you are still employed by Shell. The same will apply to participants with an incapacity for work but entitled to the non-contributory continuation of pension accrual with SSPF. The orphan’s pension will be paid to your children until they reach the age of 25.
  More about the new survivors’ pension
• The disability pension will be arranged via your employer from now on.
  This pension, which you will receive if you become incapacitated for work before your retirement date, will supplement Shell Netherlands' existing sickness and reintegration policy.
• In the new scheme, you will provisionally opt for a fixed or variable pension
  If you are 58 or older, you will make a preliminary choice: for a variable pension with SSPF or a fixed benefit via an external pension insurance company. Variable pensions are expected to pay out more than fixed pensions. However, variable pensions could pay out less when times are tough. You will make your final choice known when you retire.
• Extra capital in your pension pot.
  https://preview.care-shellpensioen.nl/en/ Because the investment risk will lie with you in the new scheme, SSPF can maintain fewer reserves. However, we will maintain a buffer to avoid the fluctuation of benefits as much as possible. Besides several other limited (statutory) buffers, the rest of the fund assets will be allocated to participants in the form of personal retirement capital.

We expect to switch to the new pension scheme on 1 January 2027. Your accrued pension will be converted into a personal pension pot, which will be invested for you. Your pension is not fixed in advance. Read more below:

• You will receive a personal pension pot that fluctuates in line with investment results.
  Your pension will be invested for you. So, your pension pot may grow if investments do well but could also decrease if they do less well. This means that the amount you receive each month when you retire will not be fixed in advance. SSPF invests for the long term. This helps us limit risks and increase the chance of a positive yield.
• You can decide how much risk we take when investing on your behalf
  We can invest your pension pot based on one of the following three risk profiles: less risk, average risk or more risk. You will be able to decide which profile suits you best on my-Shell pension. If you don't choose a profile, we will invest your pension pot based on the ‘average risk’ profile.
• In the new scheme, you will provisionally opt for a fixed or variable pension.
  If you are 58 or older, you will make a preliminary choice: for a variable pension with SNPS or a fixed benefit via an external pension insurance company. Variable pensions are expected to pay out more than fixed pensions. However, variable pensions could pay out less when times are tough. You will let your final choice know at retirement.
• You will retain any partner’s and orphan’s pensions you have already accrued.
  The partner's pension you accrue in the lead-up to the new pension will be transferred to the new scheme. The value of the accrued partner’s pension will be put into a separate pension pot. In the event of your death, your partner will receive the partner's pension accrued and your children will receive the orphan's pension accrued.
  More about the new survivors’ pension
• We will maintain a buffer to keep pensions as stable as possible. Any remaining assets will be divided among all the participants.
  Because the investment risk will lie with you after the transition, it will no longer be necessary for SSPF to maintain high reserves. However, we will maintain a buffer to avoid the fluctuation of benefits as much as possible. Besides several other limited (statutory) buffers, the rest of the fund assets will be allocated to participants in the form of personal retirement capital.

No, you will continue to receive a lifelong pension. Your partner’s pension will also remain well-arranged.

You joined Shell before 1 July 2013 (SSPF)
Your already accrued pension will be converted to the new scheme. The accrued pensions then become part of your personal pension pot.

When all accrued pensions are converted, the pension reserves (buffers) held with the pension fund are also released. These buffers are distributed among all participants. The majority of the buffers will be allocated to individual pension pots, while a smaller portion is set aside to cover certain risks.

If you joined Shell on or after 1 July 2013 (SNPS)
The SNPS pension scheme already largely complies with the Future Pensions Act (Wtp). Pensions already accrued are transferred one-to-one to the new scheme. Read here more on SNPS.

If you pass away, there is still a pension for your partner and children. You will keep the partner's pension you have already accrued in the existing scheme. It will also be transferred to the new pension scheme. In the event of your death, your partner will then receive a partner's pension consisting out of 2 parts. 1) the partner's pension accrued under the old scheme and 2) the insured partner's pension under the new scheme.

Even if you are no longer employed but have accrued partner's pension in the past, this accrued partner's pension will also be transferred to the new scheme.

Read more about the new survivors’ pension

Under the new scheme, you cannot start receiving your pension earlier than 10 years before the statutory retirement age that applies at that time.

As you near retirement, the current scheme allows you to make several choices starting six months before your retirement date. One of these is the option to temporarily receive a higher or lower pension payment. You can choose this for a period of between 1 and 10 years.

Will the high/low option still be part of the new pension scheme?
From 1 January 2027 SSPF will introduce a new pension scheme and the high/low option will no longer be included. Instead, when you retire, you’ll be able to choose between a fixed pension or a variable one. With a variable pension, you can opt for payments that gradually go down, stay the same or go up over time. This means you could receive a higher or lower amount in the early years, which then adjusts gradually. The rate of increase or decrease is set in advance. You won’t be able to choose this percentage yourself.

Need help deciding?
If you're thinking about retiring around the time of the transition, you can always book a personal advice session with Prikkl. You can make an appointment via: Prikkl.nl/care-shell-pensioen-en.

SSPF is obligated to conduct its business in a controlled and ethical manner. The board first examined the risks involved in the transition to the new pension system. It then took measures to eliminate or minimise those risks as much as possible. The pension fund uses a special system to identify risks in time and to manage them properly. This system helps make plans and check that everything runs smoothly. The board also ensures that the transition is done safely and properly, so that participants can be confident that their pensions will continue to be well managed.

With the transition to the new pension system, pension reserves (the buffers) will be released. These are distributed in three ways:

1. Mandatory reserve after the transition
   A small portion of the money will remain with the pension fund. This is required by law. The fund will use this money for example to meet unforeseen expenses.
2. Reserves with a special purpose
   
   • Reserve for pension beneficiaries (€500 million)
     This reserve is intended to prevent pensions that are already in payment, and which were increased due to the transition, from being unexpectedly reduced. The aim is to keep the likelihood of a reduction within the first 15 years after the transition to the new system below 5%.
   • Reserve for compensation (€400 million)
     This reserve is intended for people still accruing pension. Due to the new regulations, some will receive less premium after the transition than at present. This reserve provides compensation for this adverse effect.
3. Distribution among participants
   The remainder of the buffers is distributed among the personal pension pots of all participants.

The SSPF board believes the money is distributed in a balanced way. The calculations done by SSPF on the effects show that no participant group will be at an unbalanced disadvantage due to the transition. Additional fund resources have been reserved for these groups that may suffer financially due to the transition. This concerns the following groups:

• Pension beneficiaries
  If increased pensions do have to be reduced unexpectedly after the transition, the pension beneficiaries will be affected most. That is why there is an additional reserve especially for them: the risk-sharing reserve. This reserve is designed to narrow the risk of reducing their pension (less than 5% chance in the first 15 years after the transition).
• Participants still accruing pension
  Currently, the employer pays more contributions as you get older. That will stop in the new system, resulting in some working people receiving less premium. To compensate for this, there is an additional reserve. This ensures that the affected participants receive additional pension premiums spread over the next 10 years.

Your personal situation will determine how much will change for you. What this means for you exactly will be communicated to you shortly before the intended transition (end of 2026), when you will receive the provisional calculation.

We want to guide you to the new pension scheme as best we can. SSPF has therefore developed the CARE programme, where you can take in the information in the way that suits you.

It is expected that SSPF will change over to the new scheme as of 1 January 2027. Of course, we will be sure to keep you informed through e-mails, webinars, participant meetings and, if needed personal guidance. So, make sure we can reach you! Leave your email address, if you haven't already done so, at my-Shellpension and set your communication preference to digital.

What will happen when? We have made a clear schedule. That way, you know exactly when you will get information and when you have to make a choice.

• End 2025
  You will receive an invitation to a webinar about the new scheme.
• March 2026
  Start of the CARE programme. You will get access to online tools, explainer videos, webinars and – if you want – personal guidance.
• November 2026
  You will receive a preliminary overview of your personal situation prior to the transition.
• January 2027
  The new scheme will officially start.
• April 2027
  You will receive an overview after the transition. If you are retired, you now make a choice between a fixed or variable pension. Your pension will remain the same until that time.
• July 2027
  Once you retire, you will receive confirmation of your choice. From then on, your pension will be paid out according to your selection.

We like to keep you informed and we use channels that best suit your preferences.

• Newsletters by email, with updates on your situation.
• Post, if we do not have your email address or you have indicated this as your preference.
• CARE programme, through care-shellpensioen.nl, with tailored guidance (also for personal interviews and calculation modules).
• mijn-Shellpensioen.nl, with your personal pension information.
• Viva Engage, if you are still working with Shell.
• LinkedIn, online short posts on various topics.
• Voeks, for pension beneficiaries and former employees, via a magazine and meetings.
• Webinars, videos and e-learnings, if you prefer watching over reading.
• Are you thinking of retiring? Go to Prikkl and see if you qualify for a personal interview now.

The final decision for the new pension scheme was taken by Shell Netherlands and the COR (Central Employee Council) and is set out in the transition plan*. They instructed the SSPF board to implement the new pension scheme, after which the board reviewed the request by the COR and Shell Netherlands carefully.

The board assessed to whether the transition to the new scheme would be balanced for all participants, whether it complies with laws and regulations, and whether it is feasible to implement. In this process, advice was sought from the Accountability Body (AB) as well as approval from the Board of Supervisors (BoS).

The SSPF board has accepted the assignment from Shell Netherlands and the COR and started the preparatory work for implementing the new scheme with effect from 1 January 2027. The implementation plan and the communication plan have been submitted to the supervisory authorities DNB and AFM.

* Part of this process for the SSPF pension scheme was that the draft transition plan was submitted by Shell Netherlands and the COR to the Voeks (Association of Former Shell Employees) committee for the right to be heard (VHC). Shell and the COR have factored this vision from the VHC into their final design. If you have any questions about the VHC, you can send an e-mail to pensioenen@voeks.nl.

With the introduction to the new pension scheme, the government has determined that it is not possible for individuals to object to the transition to the new pension. Current employees, former employees and pension beneficiaries are represented in this process by the COR (Central Employee Council). The COR considers the interests of all the participant groups and the employer as part of the consultation process. The interests of former employees and pension beneficiaries in SSPF are also represented by the Voeks ('Association of Former Shell Employees') committee for the right to be heard ('VHC'). The VHC has shared its views on the draft transition plan in which the proposal for the changes is set out. Shell Netherlands and the COR have factored these views into their deliberations. If you have any questions about the VHC, you can send an e-mail to pensioenen@voeks.nl.

The decision for the new pension scheme was taken by Shell Netherlands and the COR. They have entrusted the SSPF board with the task of implementing this decision. The board considered the request from Shell Netherlands and the COR. To reach an informed decision, the interests of all participant groups have been weighed up. In this process, advice was sought from the Accountability Body (AB) as well as approval from the Board of Supervisors (BoS).

SSPF is working with BlackRock, partly with a view to implementing the new pension law (Wtp) as of 1 January 2027. After careful selection, SSPF chose BlackRock as its new asset management company. In July 2025, pension assets management was transferred from SAMCo to BlackRock. This partnership allows SSPF to leverage BlackRock's global knowledge and technology, particularly in investment and risk management.

Shell Netherlands and the Central Works Council (COR) developed the new pension scheme. They consulted with various parties to ensure a fair decision.*

Shell Nederland and the COR decided on the new pension scheme. They have now requested that the SSPF board and the SNPS board review and implement the new pension scheme. The boards subsequently consider the request from the COR and Shell Nederland. In doing so, they balance the interests of all participant groups. In this process, advice is also sought from the Accountability Body and (for SSPF) approval from the Supervisory Board.

After the advice of the Accountability Body and the Supervisory Board, both boards determine whether they can accept the assignment to implement the new scheme - as laid down by social partners If so, SSPF and SNPS will then proceed with implementing the scheme. In doing so, regulators DNB and AFM must approve how SSPF and SNPS intend to implement the transition agreements.

* For the SSPF pension scheme, part of this process involved submitting the draft transition plan to the Voeks (association of former Shell employees) Hearing Rights Committee ('VHC'). The VHC submitted its vision to Shell Netherlands and the COR. Shell and the COR have incorporated that vision in their final design. You can ask questions about the VHC by contacting Voeks by e-mail.

The new pension law introduces a system where you will accrue your own pension pot. When you retire, you will use this money to purchase a pension benefit.

If you started working for Shell before 1 July 2013 (pension fund SSPF), more will change for you than if you started working for Shell later. For example, due to the new system, there will be more clarity about the premiums you pay and the capital you save. Your pension will then depend on how our investments perform. This approach aims to make pensions in the Netherlands more future-proof.

At Shell, it is important to consider also whether you are still working or not and if you are already retired.

Did you start working for Shell before 1 July 2013? Then pension fund SSPF manages your Shell pension, and you will find out in late 2026 or early 2027 what the new pension will mean for you personally. Did you started working for Shell on or after that date? Then SNPS manages your Shell pension, and you will be informed from late 2025.

In the meantime, you can read on this website what the key changes mean for you.

If you started working for Shell before 1 Juli 2013 (SSPF)
The new pension law impacts not only employees but also pensioners and former employees. A fundamental principle of the Future Pensions Act (Wtp) is that accrued pensions will be converted to the new system. These accrued pensions are then from the part of your personal pension pot. During the conversion, any guarantees from the employer will cease. In the new system, there is no need to maintain large reserves (buffers) in the future.

As the accrued pensions are converted, the pension reserves (buffers) held are also released. These buffers can then be allocated. One approach is distributing the buffers to individual pension pots (possibly over several years) or retaining them to mitigate specific risks.

The decisions on the new pension schemes were made by Shell NL and the COR and outlined for SSPF in the transition plan SSPF. This plan also determines whether they intend to convert already accrued pensions to the new scheme. The boards of the pension funds will evaluate the request From Shell NL and the COR upon receipt. They will carefully consider the interests of all participant groups. Additionally, advice will be sought from the Accountability Body, and approval from the Supervisory Board is required. Following the advice from the Accountability Board and approval from the Supervisory Board, the pension funds will decide whether to proceed with implementing the new schemes – as proposed by the social partners. If approved, the pension funds will move forward with the implementation. Prior to this, regulators DNB and AFM must approve SSPF’s transition arrangements.

If you started working for Shell on or after 1 July 2013 (SNPS)
SNPS’ pension scheme is largely compliant with the Future Pensions Act. In principle, the pensions accrued to date will remain unchanged and be transferred one-to-one to the new scheme. The decisions on the new pension schemes are outlined for SNPS in the transition plan SNPS.

The government has determined that individuals cannot object to the transition to the new pension under the Future Pensions Act (Wtp). The Central Works Council (COR) represents current employees, former employees, and pensioners in the process. The COR considered the interests of all the participant groups and the employer in the consultation process.

Shell Netherlands and the COR decided on the new pension scheme and submitted a request for approval to the SSPF board and the SNPS board. Each board then considers the request from Shell Nederland and the COR, balancing the interests of all participant groups. In this process, advice is also sought from the Accountability Body and (for SSPF) approval of the Supervisory Board.

If you are a former employee (retired or not) and if you started working for Shell before 1 July 2013 (SSPF): the Voeks (Association of Former Employees of Shell) Hearings Committee ('VHC') has also represented the interests of former employees and pensioners in SSPF. The VHC gave its views on the draft transition plan setting out the proposal for the changes. Shell Netherlands and the COR have taken this into consideration. If you have any questions about the VHC, please email Voeks.

Through co-participation in the pension fund, the VHC and assessment by the pension funds, it is ensured that the interests of current employees, former employees and pensioners are represented. Following the advice of the Accountability Body and (for SSPF) approval of the Supervisory Board, the pension fund decides whether the mandate for the new schemes can be accepted. If so, the pension funds will then proceed with implementing the scheme. In doing so, regulators DNB and AFM must approve how SSPF and SNPS intend to implement the transition arrangements.

Shell Netherlands and the Central Works Council (COR) have submitted their request to accept the assignment to the SSPF board and the SNPS board. The board carefully considers that request while balancing the interests of all participant groups. In this process, advice is sought from the Accountability Body and (for SSPF) approval from the Supervisory Board. The board is carefully considering that request. In this process, advice is sought from the Accountability Body. Just before transitioning to the new scheme, we can calculate what the estimated impact of these changes will mean to you personally.

Read more about it in the interview with Eveline Smeets.

Shell Pension has developed the CARE program to help you navigate the changes. We provide information in a way that suits you best, through emails, webinars, and events, and offer personal guidance if needed. Please ensure we can contact you by updating your contact details on my-Shellpension if you have not done so yet and setting your communication preference to digital.

In the transition plan SSPF and the transition plan SNPS Shell Netherlands and the COR document the agreements made to comply with the Future Pensions Law (Wtp). It includes the choices, considerations and calculations that form the basis of the transition to the new scheme. They submit this as a request to accept the assignment to the boards of the Shell pension funds. By law, Shell pension funds are required to publish the transition plan. If you have any substantive questions about this, please contact Shell Netherlands.

Shell Netherlands and the COR established the transition plan, which sets out the agreements made to comply with the Future Pensions Act (Wtp). If you have any questions or comments regarding this plan, please contact Shell Netherlands.

• Keep an eye on our website or visit nieuwpensioenbijshell.nl
• Make sure we can reach you! If you have not done so already, please leave your email address on my-Shellpension and set your communication preference to digital.
• Is your partner registered? Check this on my-Shellpension.
• Thinking about retiring? Schedule a video call.

You can discover everything regarding the current scheme here.

You can find more information via the link below:

Insight in your pension

Your partner may be eligible for partner and/or supplementary partner pension in the event of your passing. However, this is subject to specific terms and conditions. Please read all about it here.

You may be looking for more information on what this means for your retirement. We will shortly launch the CARE programme. As part of this programme, you can schedule a conversation with a financial advisor at Shell Pension’s expense. In partnership with Prikkl.

This initiative offers personal consultations that assist you in your retirement planning. Prikkl is a coaching and advice platform that offers independent financial advice to help you make informed decisions. They provide honest and independent advice that can give you more insight.

For those interested in learning more today about retiring before 2027 (SSPF) or before 2026 (SNPS), we recommend checking the Flexplanner at my-Shellpension.

The Shell Pension CARE programme offers step by step guidance towards the new pension. Here is how we help you now.

Although it is not yet perfectly clear what the changes will mean for you personally, you can currently find on this website what we do know so far. We also help you to stay informed.

You can check your current pension on my-Shellpension.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.