There are differences in the value of pensions that are not always evident at first glance, but that can directly impact the monthly income of many retirees. In some cases, the moment in which the person meets the conditions for retirement or starts the pension ends up influencing the legal framework applied.
According to the gov.br portal, the conditions required to access retirement based on age and the amount to be received depend on the social protection system for which the discount was made, the discounts made and the age at which the person retires. It already shows that registered earnings and the legal rules applicable to pension calculation also count.
According to the same diploma, it is not only the number of years of discounts that counts, but also the contributory career, the registered remunerations and, in certain cases, the legal regime applicable at the time the right is formed.
Changes in rules created differences between pensioners
Over the last few decades, the Portuguese pension system has undergone several changes. Among the most relevant are the introduction of the sustainability factor, the changes in the normal age for accessing old-age retirement and the different calculation formulas provided for in Decree-Law No. 187/2007 for beneficiaries registered up to December 31, 2001 and for those registered from January 1, 2002.
These changes were not applied uniformly to all taxpayers. The legal analysis published in the Official Gazette of the Union on Decree-Law nº 167-E/2013 recalls, for example, that those who already met the conditions for granting a pension until December 31, 2013 maintained the legal regime then applicable, regardless of the moment in which they requested it.
In practice, this means that two retirees with similar careers can receive different amounts, not only because they belong to different generations, but because they retired at different times or were covered by different calculation rules.
Sustainability factor is one of the critical points
One of the elements that most impacted the value of pensions was the social security factor. This mechanism, provided for in article 35 of Decree-Law nº 187/2007, adjusts the value of the pension according to the evolution of average life expectancy when applicable.
However, its application varied over time and was adjusted at different times. According to the same article, there are pensions that are protected by this factor, in particular those granted at the normal age or at the personal age for accessing the pension, those under the age flexibility regime and those for very long contributory careers.
According to Ordinance No. 476/2025/1, the sustainability factor applicable to pensions starting in 2026 is 0.8237.
Retirement age also makes a difference
Another determining aspect is the normal age for accessing the pension, which has gradually increased. According to Ordinance No. 358/2024/1, in 2026 this age is 66 years and 9 months. In 2027 it rises to 66 years and 11 months, in accordance with Ordinance No. 476/2025/1.
This adjustment has a direct impact on the moment in which each person can access the pension without penalties associated with anticipation.
Those who meet the conditions in different years may have to work more or, alternatively, accept the reductions provided for by law if they apply for the pension before the applicable age.
There are cases where there may be corrections
Despite these structural differences, there are situations in which retirees may be receiving less than they should, particularly when there are calculation errors or errors in their contribution career.
In these cases, the value may be corrected. There are court decisions published in the Diário da República that show that the pension can be recalculated and that retroactive differences can be paid when not all relevant income has been considered.
Still, not all situations are reviewable. Subsequent changes in legislation do not mean, in themselves, that there is a right to an individual review of the pension already awarded, and it is necessary to analyze each specific case.
Checking your contributory career is essential
One of the most effective ways to ensure that the pension value is correct involves checking the registered contribution history.
Any error in the deduction records can directly impact the final pension calculation. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly consult the available information and confirm that the entire career has been duly considered.
Previdência Direta provides tools that allow citizens to consult their contribution career statements and simulate the value of their retirement.
Differences are not always reversible
It is important to emphasize that not all differences in the value of pensions represent an error. Many result from different legal rules applied at different times.
In these cases, there is no room for correction, since the calculation was made in accordance with the legislation in force at the time and with the contributory career considered.
Still, understanding these differences can help clarify doubts and avoid misinterpretations about the value of the pension.
Information can make a difference
Understanding how the system works and what factors influence the pension calculation is essential to assess whether or not there is any loss of income.
According to the gov.pt portal and Social Security, access to information, consultation of the contributory career and regular simulation of scenarios are fundamental steps to ensure that there are no missing values and to understand whether the value assigned is in accordance with the applicable rules.
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