Rise in Belarus' Pension Age: Expected Timeline Unveiled

In Belarus, the retirement age for women is 58 and for men, it stands at 63. This information is crucial for those nearing the end of their working lives, as it sets the stage for their transition into retirement.

However, it's not just the age that determines when one can retire. The right to additional payments applies to a variety of categories of citizens, including participants and veterans of the Great Patriotic War, individuals with disabilities, those aged 75 and above, honorary donors, and others.

The amount of pension one receives is calculated based on an individual coefficient, determined by comparing the monthly earnings over the last 30 years with the average monthly earnings of the population in the same period. This means that one's work history and earnings play a significant role in the pension amount.

One of the concerns among the Belarusian population is the potential for changes to the retirement age. The topic has been a hot button issue, with many citizens expressing their worries. However, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Valery Kovalkov, has previously stated that the issue of raising the retirement age is not being considered.

For those who are within two years of retirement, there's no need to worry about job loss. According to Article 261-5 of the Labor Code, if an employee is within this timeframe, the employer must extend the contract or sign a new one until the employee reaches retirement age. This extension can be refused only in cases of serious disciplinary violations.

There is, however, a voluntary additional pension insurance program with state financial support that has been operating in Belarus since 2022. Over 53,500 Belarusians have taken advantage of this program so far. One can join this program up to three years before reaching the general retirement age, and these periods can be extended to three years if specified in the organization's collective agreement.

The first deputy chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, Nadzeya Lazarevich, has commented on the issue, stating that the focus is elsewhere. Despite the capital's authorities providing some information on the matter, clear answers regarding the retirement age are yet to be given.

It's important to note that some Belarusians can retire early under certain conditions. The overall calculation formula for pensions is 55% of the average monthly earnings over the last 20 years for women and 25 years for men, with an additional 1% added for each year of work experience beyond these limits (up to a maximum of 75%).

In conclusion, while the retirement age in Belarus is set at 58 for women and 63 for men, additional payments and early retirement are possible under certain conditions. The voluntary additional pension insurance program is also an option for those looking to secure a more substantial pension. Despite concerns about potential changes, the current stance from the government suggests no immediate plans for adjusting the retirement age.