“There is no blockage of pension applications,” declared Minister of Pensions Jan Jambon (N-VA) in the Chamber on Wednesday.
Jambon assured that those who have submitted an application will receive clarity about the date and amount four months before their pension begins.
The trade union ABVV has claimed that the Federal Pension Service has been applying a “de facto pension blockade” since mid-April, pending legislation to implement planned pension reforms, including pension penalties. This alleged blockade means that individuals planning to retire early next year might not have precise information about their retirement date or amount.
By law, clarity is required four months before retirement, so potential issues might arise starting in September, according to the union. However, the Federal Pension Service has stated that applications are being processed normally and everyone will temporarily receive their pension decision.
Minister Jambon also confirmed in the Social Affairs Committee that there is “no blockage,” responding to inquiries from several parliament members, including Wim Van der Donckt (N-VA) and others.
He emphasised that as long as the pension reforms are not passed in parliament, the current regulations remain, ensuring applicants receive confirmation of their pension details four months before retirement.
