SWT (former early retirement)

The unemployment-with-company-supplement scheme lets older employees stop after dismissal with an unemployment benefit plus an employer supplement, until retirement. The general age is 62; for 2026-2027 certain schemes allow 58 with a 35-year career.

What exactly is it?

It is not a pension but unemployment: you are dismissed by your employer, receive an unemployment benefit and on top a company supplement paid by your former employer (or the sector fund), usually up to half the difference between your former net pay and the benefit. You remain in principle available for the labour market, with adapted rules depending on your age and career.

Conditions are tightening

The general age has risen to 62 with a career condition of 40 years (men) or 38 years (women, rising further). Special schemes remain for medical reasons (collective agreement 177 for 2026-2027: 58 with a 35-year career), heavy professions, night work and companies in restructuring, each under strict conditions. Resigning gives no entitlement: only dismissal by the employer counts, and not for urgent cause.

Alternatives for a softer landing

For many technical profiles with a shift or night history, a landing job through time credit is more realistic today than this scheme: from 55 (with an agreement) or 60, working less with a benefit while staying employed. Moving from shifts to a day role is another common way to keep the final career stretch workable. Discuss it early: the sooner you plan, the more options.