Pensioendatum

Pensioendatum is a term used to describe the date on which pension benefits begin to be paid. The exact meaning can vary depending on the pension system or arrangement, but it generally refers to the moment when a person starts receiving regular pension payments.

In a public pension system, the pensioendatum is often linked to the retirement age or to a fixed eligibility date set by law. In occupational or private pension schemes, the pensioendatum may be chosen by the participant or prescribed by the plan. Some schemes allow early retirement with reductions, while others permit postponement to a later date in exchange for higher payments.

The pensioendatum has important implications for benefits. Starting earlier can result in smaller monthly payments, while delaying the start generally increases the amount, sometimes for the lifetime of the recipient. The date also affects related aspects such as tax treatment, coordination with other income, and eligibility for spousal or survivor benefits. In practice, individuals often plan their pensioendatum to balance financial needs, life expectancy, and other sources of income.

Different pension contexts may use slightly different terminology or rules, but the core concept remains the same: the pensioendatum is the start date on which pension entitlements are converted into regular payments. Planning around this date is a common part of retirement preparation.