Unfortunately, high school education is not included pensionsbut the situation is completely different in the case of higher education. What does this mean for the future? retirees?
Do studies count towards retirement? Seniors with higher education can benefit
As it turns out, studies are included in retirement, as the so-called non-contributory period. Only studies that have been completed are taken into account. “When we determine your right to a pension or disability pension and calculate its amount, we will take into account the time of your professional activity and time off, receiving benefits, other benefits, etc. – i.e. your contributory and non-contributory periods,” he said. ZUS. Importantly, non-contributory periods are taken into account “to an extent that does not exceed 1/3 of the contributory periods”
The non-contributory period is the time during which “there was no obligation to pay social security contributions (retirement and disability insurance), which, however, due to its specific nature, is taken into account when determining the right to retirement and disability benefits and their amount” – we read on the website ZUS-at. Therefore, it is about “periods of study at a university in one field, provided that this study is completed and in the amount specified in the study program.” As it turns out, graduation provides seniors with eight years of additional experience work.
In order for ZUS to include studies in the pension, it is necessary to submit “a certificate from the university confirming the fact of completing studies, their duration and the program scope of studies, or a diploma, if the studies were completed with obtaining one, and the diploma indicates the duration and program scope of studies.” It does not matter whether the studies were conducted full-time or part-time and whether they were master's or bachelor's studies.
Who will benefit from having higher education included in their pension?
Completing higher education will be of particular importance for those people whose length of service is taken into account when determining pension entitlement. This is the total time of the contributory and non-contributory periods. Completion of studies is particularly important for people born before December 31, 1948 – in their case pensions were calculated under the old rules.
Persons born after December 31, 1948 are granted a pension on the so-called new ones rules (introduced by the reform of 1999) – then studies can help you receive the minimum pension. The length of contributory and non-contributory periods is also important when calculating the pension for people who worked in special conditions or in a special capacity.