Pensioners who were VR members before they retired can receive various services from VR even though they are no longer active in the labour market. VR offers courses to members aged 63–72 who are considering retirement or have recently stopped working. Courses are advertised on the VR website, in VR Magazine, and by email.
Older members who receive old-age pension and who have been members of VR for at least 5 consecutive years before taking pension continue to be considered VR members, but do not have eligibility for election.
Those who pay continuously to VR for 5 years until the age of 67 automatically become older members. Those who begin taking pension earlier can choose to become older members during the pension application process with the Pension Fund of Commerce. Those who receive payments from other pension funds can contact VR’s service centre for further information about the application process.
Basic rights of senior members:
VR Contingency fund
Senior members can apply for a grant, as long as they have a credit balance in the VR Contingency fund.
Sick Pay fund
Relatives can apply for death benefits.This entitlement lapses 24 months after the member became an older VR member, as defined in Article 3 of VR’s rules.
Holiday fund
Senior members can apply for a holiday home and also receive subsidised holiday-related services such as flights, accommodation, rental of travel trailers, and camping and fishing cards.
Vocational training fund
Senior members can apply for a grant because of vocational training courses and studies for 12 months and a yearly leisure grant for 36 months after ceasing membership payments.
Other
Senior members receive the VR magazine.