Pensions: from 1 August, the contribution period for women increases, with full equalisation between 2030–2035

Romania's pension system is undergoing a new change that will affect millions of people. From 1 August, the full contribution period for women increases by one month, rising from 33 years and 5 months to 33 years and 6 months. The explanation comes from Doina Pârcălabu, former president of the National Pension House.

According to her, this increase applies only to women, as men already have a full contribution period of 35 years, a threshold reached as far back as the end of 2014. For women, the contribution period will continue to rise gradually until December 2029, so that from January 2030, the full contribution period will be 35 years, equal for both sexes.

Why the full contribution period matters

Doina Pârcălabu clarified that the full contribution period becomes relevant when a person applies for early retirement, with a derogation from the standard retirement age. Current legislation allows retirement up to 5 years earlier than the standard age, but only for those who have completed the full contribution period and exceeded it by at least 5 years.

Standard retirement age: equalisation not until 2035

Alongside the increase in the contribution period, the standard retirement age for women is also rising. However, according to the former head of the National Pension House, the equalisation of the standard retirement age between women and men will not occur until 2035.

Doina Pârcălabu also explained that a longer contribution period means accumulating a higher score, which in practice leads to a larger pension at the point of calculation.