INPS: Life Pension at the Worker’s Expense – New Developments and Operational Procedures

Starting from January 12, 2025, in implementation of Article 30 of Law No. 203/2024, workers can apply to INPS for the establishment of a life pension at their own expense, even beyond the standard limitation periods, to cover periods of missed mandatory contributions. Circular No. 48 of February 24, 2025, provides clarification on the conditions, scope, and operational instructions for accessing this new provision.

Regulatory Framework

The new paragraph 7 of Article 13 of Law No. 1338/1962, as amended, establishes that:
“The worker may request the National Social Security Institute to establish a life pension at their own expense, calculated under paragraph 6.”

INPS highlights that the worker has the right to regularize omitted periods of contribution if they can prove the existence of such periods with appropriate documentation.

Prescription Issue

One of the most significant elements introduced by the law is the removal of the usual prescription limits. A life pension can be established for previously prescribed contribution periods, i.e., beyond the five-year limit for regularizing contributions by the employer and the additional 10 years within which the worker can request the pension according to previous paragraphs. The possibility of requesting the life pension under the new paragraph 7 is available with a prescription period of 15 years.

As clarified in the circular, prescription does not affect the worker’s right to regularize their pension position. Even without litigation or an inspection procedure, the worker can act independently, assuming full financial responsibility.

Application Scope

The right to apply for the pension applies to the mandatory insurance systems managed by INPS, including:

• General mandatory insurance for invalidity, old age, and survivors.
• Exclusive public management.
• Substitutive, exempting, and supplementary management systems.

Requirements and Costs for Access

To access the pension establishment, the worker must:

• Prove with valid documents the existence of the employment relationship and the missed contributions, even if prescribed.
• Agree to bear the full cost, calculated according to paragraph 6 of Article 13 of Law No. 1338/1962.

Effects of the Pension

The established life pension will have the same effects as the contributions actually paid:

• It counts toward the right and amount of pension.
• It is valid for all pension benefits.
• No contributions will be due by the employer, nor will there be any penalties.