Legal Guide
Senior Rights in Romania
Everything you need to know about the rights of older people: pensions, social assistance, guardianship, legal protection, and useful resources. Updated 2026.
The Right to a Pension
Every person who has contributed to the social insurance system is entitled to a pension.
- Old-age pension — on reaching the standard retirement age (65 for men, 63 for women in 2026)
- Early retirement pension — up to 5 years early, with a reduced amount
- Disability pension — for loss of working capacity due to medical reasons
- Survivor's pension — for the surviving spouse
- Pension recalculation — the right to request recalculation if you have uncredited contribution periods
- Reference point value (VPR) 2026: 81 lei (frozen until 2027)
The Right to Social Assistance
Older people with low incomes or without family support are entitled to social assistance.
- Social assistance (guaranteed minimum income) for pensions below the set threshold
- Heating allowance during the cold season
- Food allowance in public institutions
- Free or subsidised home care services
- Accommodation in state care homes at a reduced rate (calculated according to income)
- Free or reduced public transport (varies by locality)
Guardianship and Curatorship
Legal protective measures for older people who can no longer exercise their rights independently.
- Guardianship — full protection; the guardian makes decisions on the person's behalf (advanced dementia, mental illness)
- Curatorship — partial protection; the curator supports but does not override the person's wishes
- Established by court order — requires a medical assessment
- Family members are given priority when appointing a guardian or curator
- The guardian/curator must report annually to the guardianship authority
- The appointment may be revoked if abuse or neglect is demonstrated
The Right to Quality Care
Every older person has the right to dignified care, regardless of their financial situation.
- Care homes must hold an operating licence from the Ministry of Labour
- Minimum quality standards are mandatory (space, staffing, nutrition)
- The right to a personalised care plan, reviewed on a regular basis
- The right to refuse or consent to medical treatment
- The right to visits from family and friends
- The right to privacy, dignity, and respect
Protection Against Abuse
Abuse of older people is a criminal offence. Know the signs and where to report.
- Physical abuse — hitting, physical restraint, forced immobilisation
- Emotional abuse — intimidation, humiliation, isolation
- Neglect — failure to provide food, hygiene, or medication
- Financial abuse — misappropriating money, pressuring someone to sign documents
- Where to report: DGASPC, ANPIS, Police, Freephone 0800 500 500
- Preserve evidence: photographs, written statements, witnesses
Inheritance and Wills
Planning your estate protects both the older person and the family.
- A will — can be drawn up by a notary (authenticated) or written by hand (holographic)
- Intestate succession — without a will, assets are distributed according to the Civil Code
- Acceptance deadline: 1 year from the date of death
- Heirs may accept or renounce the inheritance
- Surviving spouse's share: 1/4 – 1/2 of the estate (depending on the class of heirs)
- Consult a notary for complex situations
Useful Resources and Institutions
Where to seek help and information.
- DGASPC (Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection) — in every county
- ANPIS (National Agency for Social Payments and Inspection)
- Casa Națională de Pensii Publice — National Public Pension House (CNPP)
- The People's Advocate (Ombudsman) — www.avp.ro
- Social assistance freephone: 0800 500 500
- SeniorHelp Helpline: 021 555 9912
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