Retiring before or after the transition? Here's what changes at SNPS.
The government has introduced new pension rules. As a result, the new SNPS pension scheme takes effect per 1 January 2026. Since SNPS already operates largely in line with these new rules, most things will stay the same. However, especially if you work at Shell, it can make a difference whether you retire before or after the transition. Here are the main points to consider.
Do you work at Shell? Then your employer's contributions will be the same each year under the new scheme.
Currently, Shell contributes more as you get older. Under the new rules, Shell will contribute 21% of your pension base regardless of your age. You will also contribute yourself. The standard employee contribution will be 7%, of which 2% is mandatory. You can choose how much you contribute, from 2% up to a maximum of 9%. This change may work out to your advantage or disadvantage.
If the change results in a disadvantage for you, Shell will provide financial compensation.
Your entitlement and the amount are determined based on your year of birth. If you are entitled to compensation, Shell HR will notify you before the end of the year. If you are still employed by Shell on or after 1 January 2026 and you’re entitled to compensation, you will receive a monthly amount in addition to your salary. You may use this amount to build additional pension, although you are not required to.
Planning to retire before 2026? Then you may not receive compensation.
If you are employed by Shell and retire before 1 January 2026, you won’t receive compensation. Want to keep your compensation? Then you may consider postponing your retirement. You willl receive the compensation monthly on top of your salary. Please note: compensation ends no later than your 68th birthday. If you leave Shell earlier, compensation will also stop.
Want to see what your compensation could be if you keep working?
Use your personal calculation tool. It gives you a simple, personalised estimate of the additional amount you could receive. This helps you understand your situation and decide whether postponing retirement is worthwhile.
How does it work?
Log in with the personal code* you received by email from Shell Pensioen. Ready to get started?
Do you accrue pension via SSPF, but also participate in the SNPS net pension scheme?
Then you will receive a separate code later to access a different tool, which shows your SSPF pension and your participation in the net scheme.
Do you want to retire more than 10 years before your statutory retirement age?
That is still possible if you submit your application before 1 October 2025 and you start your retirement before 31 December 2025.
Currently, you can retire from the age of 55. This will change as of 1 January 2026. From then on, you can no longer start your pension more than 10 years before your statutory retirement age. In 2026, this means: retirement is possible from age 57. Would you like to take advantage of the current early retirement option? Make sure to submit your application before 1 October 2025 via my-Shellpension, so that your pension can start before 31 December 2025.
If you work at Shell, you normally have to submit your pension application at least 6 months in advance. However, due to the transition to the new rules, we are making a one-time exception.
Need help with your decision? We are here to support you.
Considering retirement but want to understand your options first? Shell Pension, together with Prikkl, offers free guidance – even if you live abroad. During a personal consultation, you will gain insight into your possibilities and which choices best suit your situation.
