The General Social Security Institute has approved a Royal Decree that provides benefits to a portion of workers who meet specific health criteria. Those affected may access early retirement in cases of serious illness, allowing them to leave active work life earlier. The level of support depends on the length of regular employment and primarily targets individuals whose health prevents them from maintaining a normal work routine. [Source: SSI]
Legal retirement ages are set by 2023 at 65 for workers with 37 years and 9 months of contributions, or 66 years and 4 months for those who contributed less. Following the most recent government reform, the retirement age will rise gradually through 2027, with a target of 67 years, in order to strengthen the pension system’s long-term sustainability. [Source: SSI]
How can someone retire earlier?
There is a defined pathway for early retirement based on disability status. Individuals diagnosed with a disability of 45% or more may qualify, and the provisions apply to both self-employed workers and employees. The Social Security system maintains an up-to-date list of conditions that justify early retirement, and the list is periodically revised to reflect medical and social considerations. [Source: SSI]
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Mental disability
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Cerebral palsy
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Genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, achondroplasia, cystic fibrosis, and Wilson disease
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Autism spectrum disorders
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Congenital anomalies related to thalidomide exposure
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Sequelae of polio or post-polio syndrome
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Acquired brain injuries due to trauma, CNS tumor sequelae, infections, or poisoning
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Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
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Neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, leukodystrophies, Tourette syndrome, and spinal cord injuries
Eligibility must be demonstrated before retirement can be mandated. A medical report spanning at least five years must establish exposure to the listed conditions. The report is issued by the appropriate authority, such as the Institute of Elderly and Social Services or a similar agency, and the individual must be registered with the SSI or hold a comparable status of registration. [Source: SSI]