What if your question is not included? Please do not hesitate to contact us.
WHAT PAYMENT FREQUENCY SHOULD I CHOOSE?
You can choose to have your pension income paid monthly in arrears. But you can also choose to receive your pension income less frequently: quarterly, half-yearly or even once a year in arrears. The costs per payment period vary, so paying your pension income annually may be more advantageous than a monthly payment in arrears. Think carefully about your wishes and needs, and take your spending habits into account. Experience shows that most people find it difficult to balance their income and expenses effectively when their pension income is paid less frequently. They prefer to receive their pension income more regularly.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY APPLICATION IS BEING PROCESSED EFFICIENTLY ONCE I HAVE SUBMITTED IT ONLINE?
Apple Tree will discuss your request with you by telephone after receiving it and ask you to provide any missing information. Once the main assumptions have been reviewed and any questions answered, Apple Tree will send you the requested quote by email. Apple Tree will then contact you within a few working days to discuss the quote. If you agree to the quote, Apple Tree will handle the rest of the procedure on your behalf. Apple Tree keeps you informed of progress during the entire process (from your request, the transfer of the capital amount to drawing up the policy). Simply contact them if you have any questions (telephone +31 (0)20 4700920, email info@apple-tree.nl). You are also always welcome to visit Apple Tree's office for a personal meeting.
IS THE INCOME AMOUNT STATED IN THE QUOTE GROSS OR NET?
The pension income stated in the quote is a gross amount. The insurer making the payment is obliged to withhold wage tax from your pension income as an advance payment on income tax. An amount is also withheld for state health insurance. The amount withheld is determined based on your pension income in line with tables issued by the tax authorities. Usually, the amount withheld at source is the same as the income tax payable at the end of the year. The wage tax credit can only be applied to one source of income. This credit is a discount on the income tax payable. It is generally applied to the largest source of income. This discount may only be applied once to avoid a situation where too little wage tax is withheld. Because you have reached retirement age, the wage tax credit will probably already have been (automatically) deducted from your state pension (AOW).
ARE THE CALCULATIONS BINDING OR NOT?
Apple Tree offers you information about the possible amount of your variable pension income via this website. If you require further information, you will receive a list of insurers for your personal situation. This information is completely non-binding and the data will only be used if you have given permission for this by submitting a request. In that case, the adviser at Apple Tree will process your request.
I AM NOT ABLE TO RETIRE YET BUT WOULD STILL LIKE TO KNOW WHICH PROVIDER CAN MAKE ME THE BEST OFFER AT THE MOMENT. IS THAT ALSO POSSIBLE?
You can identify which insurer can make you the most suitable offer based on the current market interest rate. This is only an indication however. You can generate an accurate calculation six weeks before your retirement capital actually becomes available. The amount of your retirement capital may have changed, or a different insurer may be able to make you a better offer at that time.
WHAT FEES DOES APPLE TREE CHARGE?
When you accept an offer, the adviser at Apple Tree handles the administrative processing on your behalf. In return, Apple Tree receives a fee of €495. This is a standard fee and does not influence the comparison in any way. Our Financial Services Document for consumers states the fees received by Apple Tree.
WHEN CAN I RECEIVE A FINAL QUOTE?
The period of validity of a quotation differs from insurer to insurer, from a minimum of two weeks to a maximum of six weeks after the quotation date. The period of validity is stated in the quotation. The request and the capital amount must be received within that validity period. Apple Tree coordinates your request and arranges for your quotation validity to be extended where necessary. We advise you to make a final calculation about six weeks before the commencement date of your pension.
HOW DO I REQUEST A QUOTE TAILORED TO SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS?
If you have special requirements that you cannot specify in the request itself, we advise you to contact Apple Tree directly.
WHO CAN HELP ME WITH A QUESTION ABOUT THE PENSION INCOME?
Apple Tree can always help you with any questions you may have. Even after you start to receive your pension payments. Apple Tree sends you all the contact details you require with the policy.
WHEN WILL MY RETIREMENT CAPITAL BE AVAILABLE?
The formal retirement age is 67. However, you can retire up to 5 years before the date on which you become eligible for state pension. If you are still working as an employee or self-employed person, you can also opt for postponement after reaching retirement age. However, your pension starts at all events from your 70th birthday.
