ATHENS — To accommodate those nearing retirement, the Greek Ministry of Labor has introduced a regulation that allows insured individuals to recognize up to an additional six months beyond the standard insurance limit. According to Greek news website To Vima, this change aims to provide a safety net for those who are on the cusp of retirement but have not yet met the necessary insurance years to retire with full rights.
Greece’s pension system has been a topic of debate and reform for many years. Historically, the country has faced challenges related to its pension system, including high pension expenditure as a percentage of GDP and an aging population. These challenges have necessitated various reforms over the years to ensure the system’s sustainability.
Under the new regulation:
- Insured individuals who are 67 years old and lack up to 150 days of insurance to qualify for a full pension can now recognize these days. However, they must not have previously recognized more than five “fictitious” or notional years of insurance. To avail of this, they would need to pay contributions equivalent to the 150 days based on the current daily wage of an unskilled worker.
- Alternatively, those wishing to retire and have worked at least 500 days within a five-year period before their retirement application can voluntarily continue their insurance for up to three more years. This continuation does not require any assessment of their ability to work.
This move is seen as a compassionate gesture by the Greek government, ensuring that those nearing retirement age, who might have been affected by various economic challenges or personal circumstances, still have a chance to retire with full rights.
While this regulation offers a temporary solution for some, it doesn’t resolve the broader challenges and complexities of pension systems worldwide, especially in countries with aging populations and economic pressures. As Greece continues its journey of economic recovery and reform, the balance between ensuring the welfare of its elderly population and maintaining fiscal responsibility remains a critical concern.
Source/s: To Vima
Image source: Gary Todd / Wikimedia
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