The number of complaints and disputes linked to the Netherlands’ pension transition is beginning to rise, as more schemes move into the new system under the Future Pensions Act (Wtp), according to a progress report from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.

While disputes directly related to the new legislation remained limited, the report found a clear increase in Wtp-related questions and complaints as the transition accelerates.

However, the ministry stated that the gradual rise in complaints was not unexpected given the scale and complexity of the reform.

More than half of the Dutch population is now covered by the reformed framework, with around 10 million active members, deferred members, and pensioners having already moved to the new arrangements.

Meanwhile, data from complaints and dispute bodies, as well as the courts, suggested that member engagement with the reform was intensifying as more participants were affected.

During the reporting period from 1 January to 31 December 2025, the Pensions Complaints and Disputes Body (GIP) registered 426 disputes.

Most cases concerned pension calculation and payment, the application of laws and regulations, and the provision of information to members.

Complaints specifically focused on the Wtp were still relatively rare, but the report noted that their number was gradually increasing.

A similar trend was observed at the Financial Services Complaints Tribunal (Kifid), which handled disputes involving pension insurers and premium pension institutions (PPIs).

Meanwhile, the Council for the Judiciary reported that fewer than 10 civil cases relating to the Wtp were brought before the courts during the same period, indicating that most issues continued to be resolved outside formal litigation.

The complaints data sits alongside ongoing progress in the transition to the new pension system.

In total, 30 pension funds or schemes have completed the transition, with further waves scheduled through to the statutory end date of 1 January 2028.

However, the report highlighted that a significant number of pension funds and employers, particularly those operating insured schemes, still needed to make the switch.

The ministry warned that delays in these areas could place additional pressure on advisers, providers and dispute resolution bodies in the later stages of the transition.

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