The arrival of the reform can raise doubts and concerns, especially with regard to financial stability and time management. For many workers, the transition between active life and reform is more peaceful thanks to a regime that allows you to slowly slowly: pre-reform. This measure, provided by law, offers an intermediate solution between full -time work and inactivity, ensuring regular performance and greater flexibility.
What is pre-reform anyway?
Pre-reform is a regime that results from direct agreement between the worker and the employer, allowing to reduce working hours or completely suspend professional activity, without loss of the right to monthly payment, says Human Resources Portugal.
It is intended for workers 55 years or older, functioning as a bridge between active professional life and the definitive entry into the reform. The goal is to provide a more balanced transition, with time for adaptation and without compromising financial stability.
Two ways to apply the regime
The pre-reform regime can assume two distinct modalities, according to the same source. The first is the reduction of working hours, where the worker continues to perform functions, although with a lower workload, maintaining the rights associated with social security. The second is the total suspension of the activity, in which the worker fails to perform functions, but continues to receive the amount agreed. In this modality, it loses access to sickness, unemployment or parenting subsidies.
Written agreement is mandatory
For the pre-reform regime to be valid, the agreement between worker and employer must be made in writing. This document must contain the full identification of both parties, their addresses, pre-reform start date and the monthly amount agreed. If it is a time reduction, it is also necessary to indicate what will be the new working hours.
Who can join?
Pre-reform is addressed to workers 55 years or older who are covered by a social protection regime in the events of old age, disability or death. It is mandatory to exist a formal agreement with the employer. Workers without legal framework in terms of social protection are excluded from this measure.
How does the order work?
The adhesion process must be initiated by the employer with Social Security. For this, it is necessary to submit the signed agreement, together with the declaration of remuneration for the month in which the regime will begin to be in force.
After analyzing the documentation, Social Security has 30 days to approve the request, provided that all criteria are fulfilled.
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The monthly pre-reform value, according to the source mentioned above, is calculated based on the last remuneration received by the worker. This value may vary between 25% and 100% of the previous salary. The legislation establishes that the benefit can never be less than 25% of the usual maturity.
If, during the pre-reform period, the worker is entitled to salary increases, the value of the benefit must be updated proportionally.
And how much is it discounted?
During pre-reform, both the employer and the worker may benefit from a reduction in social security contributions. However, contributory rates continue to focus on the salary prior to entry into the regime, not the value agreed in pre-reform. For example, in case of suspension of the activity, the worker discounts 8.6%and the employer 18.3%, totaling 26.9%.
Deadlines and obligations
Social security contributions must be paid between the 10th and 20th of the month following. In case of delay, default interest on the missing value is applied. This detail is essential to ensure that the worker maintains his rights in the contributory system, even during the pre-reform period.
Pre-reform may end in three situations, according to: if the worker returns to work full time, if the employment contract is ceased or if the worker transits to the condition of pensioner for old age or disability. If the employment contract is over, and if compensation is foreseen, the worker may continue to receive pre-reform provision until the legal age of access to reform is reached.
A practical solution for both sides
Pre-reform offers advantages to both the worker and the employer. On the worker’s side, it allows you to adapt progressively to the end of your career, with financial security and less wear and tear. On the company’s side, it allows human resources to manage more flexibly, adjusting teams and workloads.
For those who are approaching 55 years, this regime can be an interesting alternative. Just find out with the employer and consider whether pre-reform fits your professional path and current needs.
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