Pensioners can receive higher payments: expert reveals little-known nuance.

Pension expert Serhiy Korobkin talks about the transition from one type of pension to another, which can increase the amount of payments. However, it is important to consider the nuances and features of each pensioner.

Reader of the publication 'On Pension' Andriy Kruhlyachenko shared his experience of increasing his pension. He transitioned from an old-age pension to a 2nd group disability pension, which allowed him to receive higher payments. Now he is contemplating whether to return to the old-age pension.

'Some Time ago, the role of work experience was raised, so it was beneficial for me to switch from an old-age pension to a 2nd group disability pension, having additional work experience,' says Andriy Kruhlyachenko.

The decision to switch to a 2nd group disability pension may seem unbeneficial at first glance, as the payment amount is only 90% of the old-age pension. However, it is important to consider the 'additional work experience' – the period from the date of establishing disability until reaching retirement age.

'The earlier the disability occurs, the more additional work experience there is. It is counted only when assigning the disability pension, as well as in case of loss of a breadwinner. If a person switches to an old-age pension, the additional work experience is removed,' explains the expert.

In Andriy's case, the transition to a disability pension was beneficial due to 10 years of additional work experience. The amount of the pension decreased to 90%, but taking into account the experience, payments increased.

'By the way, when the role of work experience was raised, the newspaper 'On Pension' helped me a lot. After the publication, I took this newspaper and contacted the Pension Fund. Only after that was the recalculation made and the pension increased,' says the reader.

Changes in the pension accounting system occurred in 2017. The work experience coefficient was increased by 20% and then by 35% since 2008. However, in 2017 this norm was canceled, using a new average salary, but simultaneously reducing the work experience coefficient.

According to the expert's calculations, Mr. Andriy currently does not find it beneficial to return to the old-age pension, as he would lose 10 years of additional work experience and the bonus for overwork experience. Under the new rules, the bonus is given only for years beyond 35 years of work, whereas under the old rules it was beyond 25 years.

The expert also points out that switching to a 1st group disability pension may be even more beneficial, as the payment amount equals 100% of the old-age pension. With additional work experience, this is 'generally a foolproof option.'

However, the 3rd group disability pension is only 50% of the old-age pension, so transitioning to it is rarely beneficial.

Each case is individual, so each pensioner should carefully calculate the feasibility of switching to another type of pension, considering the details of pension appointment, the date of disability establishment, and its group.