What changed in 2024?
The recalculation was carried out under the new pensions law, Law No. 360/2023, which introduced new rules on how contributions and contribution periods are counted. Recalculated pensions have been paid since 1 September 2024.
These changes caused dissatisfaction among pensioners who found that their pensions had not risen significantly or, in some cases, had not risen at all. Depending on their individual contributions and how their contribution periods were recalculated, some people received less than they expected.
What can you do if your pension was recalculated incorrectly?
If you have reason to believe that your new pension does not correctly reflect the contributions you made during your working life, you can challenge the decision. Under Law No. 360/2023, decisions of the regional pension offices can be challenged in the competent court within 45 days of being communicated.
Challenging a pension decision is a social security dispute and may require specialist legal representation.
See my labour and social security law servicesHow to bring a challenge
Under Article 127 of Law No. 360/2023, decisions issued by the regional pension offices can be challenged within 45 days of being communicated. Any pensioner who is unhappy with the recalculation can challenge the recalculation decision in the competent court.
The challenge is filed with the tribunal for the area where you live, and the tribunal's judgment can only be appealed once, before the court of appeal. Bringing these claims against pension offices requires a good knowledge of the procedure and of pensions legislation.
A decision that is not challenged within the 45 days becomes final. Keep the envelope or proof of receipt: the deadline runs from the date you received the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Any other questions?When do the 45 days for a challenge start to run?
From the date the decision was communicated – that is, the date you received it, not the date it was issued. That is why it is wise to keep the envelope or the acknowledgement of receipt.
What can I do if the 45 days have passed?
A decision that is not challenged in time becomes final. However, if there is a calculation error, you can ask the pension office to review the decision (Article 94 of Law No. 360/2023), and the pension office must correct the differences.
What should I check in my pension decision?
Whether all the periods in your employment record book and certificates are included, whether your earnings and bonuses have been taken into account, and whether your working conditions (work group, particular or special conditions) have been applied correctly.
Where is the challenge heard?
At the tribunal for the area where you live. The tribunal's judgment can only be challenged by an appeal.
