“The change offers several advantages for those who want to plan their pension. The possibility to pause the occupational pension means both flexibility and easier control over the payout, for example, to combine work and retirement,” says Shoka Åhrman, savings economist at SPP.
When can you benefit from the change? For collectively agreed occupational pensions, negotiations are ongoing. More flexible withdrawals are expected to be possible within ITP (the agreement for private sector employees) from October 1, 2025. If you belong to SAF-LO (private sector workers), you will likely be able to benefit from the change from January 1, 2026.
For those employed in the public sector, municipalities, and regions (covered by PA 16 or AKAP-KR), the changes are expected to take effect from July 1, 2025.
“We at SPP will of course adapt to the requirements set by the collective agreement parties,” says Shoka Åhrman.
What applies to those who have non-collectively agreed pension solutions with SPP?
“It will be voluntary for pension companies to offer the possibility to pause. We are, of course, very positive about changes that make it easier for you as a saver to adapt the pension to your needs. Therefore, during 2025, we will investigate where we see that you as a saver can benefit from the change,” says Shoka Åhrman and continues:
“The first focus will be to ensure that all collective agreement requirements are met. After that, we will address other occupational pensions. The hope is to be able to offer the possibility already in 2026!”
What is the main advantage?
“As I mentioned earlier, it is clearly the flexibility. It will be possible for you as a retiree to pause your payout to work, without it necessarily meaning that you end up in higher tax brackets or lose important protections. You can also extend your payout period even if you initially chose a shorter period. It simply becomes easier to plan your pension,” says Shoka Åhrman.
“The change also supports the work line by making it easier for those who want to continue working, return to work, or combine pension and work. There are several advantages for your final pension to stay in the workforce for an extra year if you have the opportunity,” adds Shoka Åhrman.
What is important to consider?
“The proposal only applies to the first five years of pension withdrawal and can vary depending on your pension solution, your agreement, and what rules your pension company has,” explains Shoka Åhrman.
“The important thing is, just like with all pension planning, that you feel confident that you understand what the pause means for your specific situation. Therefore, my advice is to talk to an advisor. Get help from your pension company or your pension advisor if you are considering what a pension pause would mean for you,” concludes Shoka Åhrman.
