Lithuania to increase pensions for delayed claims

The Lithuanian parliament has approved amendments to the state social insurance pension law that will allow residents to receive higher pensions if they delay claiming them, state broadcaster LRT reports.

Under the changes passed on Thursday, individuals who postpone claiming their old-age pension by more than 12 months will see their eventual payout increase by 8% for each full year of delay. The new rule applies to those with at least the minimum required work history in Lithuania or other EU countries covered by shared pension regulations.

The adjustment does not apply if the claimant received another state-funded pension or social benefit during the delay period. Lawmakers said the change addresses cases where late applicants previously lost accrued payments, as current rules only cover the most recent 12 months of unclaimed pensions.

Linas Kukuraitis, deputy chair of the Seimas Social Affairs and Labour Committee, called the reform “more socially just,” noting it particularly benefits seniors living abroad who may overlook their eligibility. The amendments passed unanimously with 86 votes and will take effect on 1 September.