Starting from February 1, 2025, unemployed individuals and those receiving early retirement benefits from Belgium will accumulate fewer pension rights.

The De Wever government has decided that, starting from February 1, 2025, unemployed individuals and those receiving early retirement benefits will accumulate fewer pension rights. The rights will be calculated based on a 'limited national salary' of approximately 33,000 euros per year, instead of the last salary earned. This measure aims to correct a situation considered 'unfair', where individuals who have worked their entire lives had lower pensions than those who were unemployed.

The impact of the reform varies depending on income and the duration of unemployment, with pension losses of up to 179 euros per month for those with higher salaries, after five years of unemployment. However, there are exceptions for temporary unemployment imposed by the employer and for certain professional categories.

Those already receiving early retirement before February 2025 will not be affected. The reform will contribute to fiscal consolidation, generating savings of approximately 2.5 billion euros in this legislature. Minister Jan Jambon has also announced other future adjustments for mixed careers, to ensure fairness in the accumulation of pension rights.