Not all workers reach retirement age with the right to the full amount of the pension. In 2025, anyone born between June 1, 1958 and May 31, 1959 will reach the normal access age and will be entitled to retirement without penalty, as long as they meet the guarantee period required by law.
Over the next two years, the Social Security calendar foresees new groups reaching this goal. For those born in the 60s, the first (from January to March 1960), reach legal age at the end of 2026, while the rest will do so progressively during 2027.
The full value of the pension depends not only on the current legal age, but also on the number of years of accumulated deductions. These two criteria determine access to retirement without any type of cut or penalties.
Legal retirement age in 2025 and 2026
According to Social Security, the normal age for accessing the pension in 2025 is 66 years and 7 months. In 2026, this limit rises slightly to 66 years and 9 months, following the gradual increase in average life expectancy.
From the moment a worker reaches this age and has a complete contributory career, they can request full retirement, without suffering reductions in advance. It is the point at which the pension value is calculated in full, in accordance with general rules.
Long careers, however, allow for early exit from the job market. The law provides for adjustments to the personal retirement age depending on the period of deductions made.
Long careers and possible reductions
For each year beyond the 40 years of discounts, it is possible to reduce four months to the required age. This bonus makes it possible to reward long-term careers, bringing the retirement age closer to those who started working earlier.
Even so, anticipation has a limit. No worker can retire before the age of 60, regardless of the number of years of registered deductions. In practice, anyone who has made contributions for 42 years can retire 8 months before the legal age, and anyone who is 44 years old benefits from a 16-month reduction.
There are, however, situations in which the law allows access to early pension without any penalty. These are cases designated as very long careers, which cover a more restricted number of beneficiaries.
Exceptions for extraordinarily long careers
Anyone with 48 years of discounts and at least 60 years of age can retire immediately, without cuts. The same applies to those who have 46 years of discount and 60 years of age, as long as they started working very early, generally before the age of 17.
In these scenarios, the sustainability factor or penalties for early retirement do not apply. This is a legal recognition of exceptional contributory efforts, which allows for a transition without financial losses.
The rule aims to balance social justice and system sustainability, rewarding those who contributed throughout almost their entire working lives. Compensation reflects prolonged contribution and early entry into the job market.
Who can request reform in 2025
To start the process, the worker must confirm that he meets three basic conditions. First, reach the legal age of 66 years and 7 months (or your adjusted personal age if you have a long career). Second, comply with the guarantee period of at least 15 years of discounts, or 144 months in the case of Voluntary Social Security. Third, be registered with Social Security and have a Social Security Identification Number (NISS).
Anyone who has never registered must do so before submitting the application. Without registration, the reform application cannot be accepted. The process can be started online, through , or in person at customer services.
Planning and information continue to be fundamental. The proximity of retirement age requires attention to the deadlines, the rules in force and the annual updates of the normal access age.
Retiring without penalties requires planning
Reaching retirement without cuts in the value of the pension depends on a combination of age, period of deductions and the applicable regime. It is the way to ensure that the effort of decades of work is recognized and that the transition to the new stage of life runs smoothly.
For many, this moment represents the culmination of a long and demanding professional journey. Timely planning is essential to ensure that the renovation takes place under the best conditions and without surprises.
Social Security advises beneficiaries to check their deduction records in advance and simulate the estimated value of the pension. This preparation allows you to make informed decisions and take full advantage of acquired rights.
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