1. Who can use this opportunity?
All Associates who joined Mars after 31 December 2005 and already actively participate in the company pension scheme by converting at least the minimum contribution every month.
All Associates who joined Mars prior to 01 January 2006
2. What is new?
As of now, you have the opportunity to waive not only part of your monthly salary, but also of your Annual Variable Pay and contribute it to the company pension scheme.
3. How much of my Annual Variable Pay can I convert?
The Annual Variable Pay can be converted into contributions to the company pension plan at a maximum amount equal to 100% achievement based on the relevant targets.
4. How high is the maximum amount I can contribute if target achievement is below 100%?
If target achievement is below 100%, you may contribute your Annual Variable Pay at a maximum of up to the actually achieved percentage.
Example
Annual base salary: €30,000, target percentage: 5%, target achievement: 50%
Annual Variable Pay entitlement (total) = €750 (€30,000*5%*50%)
Possible Annual Variable Pay conversion for the company pension scheme: up to €750 (€30,000*5%*50%)
5. What is the maximum amount I can contribute if target achievement is above 100%?
Variable salary components (Annual Variable Pay / AVP) can be converted into contributions to the company pension plan at a maximum amount equal to 100% achievement based on the relevant targets:
Example
Annual base salary: €30,000, target percentage: 5%, target achievement: 200%
Annual Variable Pay entitlement (total) = €3,000 (€30,000*5%*200%)
Possible Annual Variable Pay conversion for the company pension scheme: up to €1,500 (€30,000*5%*100%)
6. What must I do to deposit my Annual Variable Pay into the Mars Pension Plan?
If you would like to use this opportunity, please enter your decision to convert Annual Variable Pay between 5 February and 5 March (latest) each year in the online pension portal (www.mars-pension.towerswatson.com).
7. How long does my decision remain valid?
You decide once a year and can reconsider your decision every year. There will be relevant annual reminders sent out on time. The decision period is to remain similar every year.
8. To which of the plans will the one-off Annual Variable Pay deposit be contributed to?
For all Associates who joined Mars after 31 December 2005 and already actively participate in the company pension scheme, the amount will be deposited as a supplemental contribution in the Associate Contribution Plan. Please be aware that Mars will not match the supplemental contribution.
For all Associates who joined Mars prior to 01 January 2006, the converted Annual Variable Pay amount will be deposited in the One-Off Contribution Plan. Please note that after reaching the age of 60, your pension in the One-Off Contribution Plan will not draw interest anymore.
9. Is there an upper age limit?
No, as opposed to monthly salary waiver, there is no upper age limit for waiving your Annual Variable Pay.
Associates who joined Mars prior to 01 January 2006 – PLEASE NOTE: After reaching the age of 60, your pension balance in the One-Off Contribution Plan will no longer draw interest.
10. What is the actual interest rate?
For all Associates who joined Mars after 31 December 2005, a total interest of 2.3% is paid on all prior and future contributions in the time period from 01 January 2016 to 30 June 2016.
For all Associates who joined Mars prior to 01 January 2006, a total interest of 2.5% is paid on all contributions in the time period from 01 July 2015 to 30 June 2016.
11. How about taxes and social security deductions?
As a rule, your deposit (in the pension plan) reduces the income that is subject to taxes and social security contributions. This means that generally you do not have to pay taxes and social security contributions on the converted amount. For more detailed advice, please consult your tax advisor.
12. Can Associates who are on parental leave, long-term ill or on a sabbatical, also contribute Annual Variable Pay to the Mars Pension Plan?
For all Associates who joined Mars after 31 December 2005:
During parental leave, long-term illness or sabbatical, a deposit is not possible, because the required minimum monthly contribution to the Mars pension scheme is not being made.
For all Associates who joined Mars prior to 01 January 2006:
During parental leave or absence due to long-term illness, it is possible to deposit the Annual Variable Pay according to the rules.
For the period of a sabbatical, this is not possible. These Associates should contact Payroll upon returning from the sabbatical if they would still like to deposit their Annual Variable Pay.
13. Can I simulate the Annual Variable Pay deposit in the online pension portal?
Yes, it is possible as of now to consider one-off conversions in the online pension portal’s provision calculator. Click here for instructions.
14. How can I deposit the Annual Variable Pay via online pension portal?
You enter the decision to convert Annual Variable Pay in the online pension portal under menu point: Deferred Compensation -> Annual Variable Pay. Click here for instructions.
15. Can I change my decision in the online pension portal within that period?
You can adjust your decision as often as you like within the decision period. The last decision you entered is always considered valid. You can view your requests via the decision history.
16. Can I delete my decision in the online pension portal within that period?
Yes, all you have to do is enter a new decision in an amount of €0.00. Click here for instructions in how to enter a decision.
17. How do I gain new access or login data?
You can request new access data on the start page of the online pension portal under “My Pension”.
18. How do I get a new password?
You can request a new password on the start page of the online pension portal under “My Pension”.