New Opportunities for People with Disabilities
As of September 1st, 2024, a significant change in Romanian legislation will allow people receiving disability pensions to earn income from dependent activities without losing their pension. This modification is very important for people with disabilities, offering them increased opportunities for integration into the labor market and achieving financial independence.
Legislative Context
Until now, people with disabilities classified in the first or second degree of disability could not be employed under an individual employment contract without losing their disability pension. According to the new regulations introduced by H.G. no. 181/2024 to Law no. 360/2023, these individuals can combine their pension with income earned from both independent activities, which was already allowed, and from dependent activities, with a few specific exceptions provided in Law no. 111/2022.
This means that, starting from September 1, 2024, disability pensioners:
- Can continue to receive their disability pension even if they are employed and earn income from independent activities or intellectual property rights.
- Can work under an individual employment contract, except for certain public or elective positions specified by law.
Benefits of the New Legislation
The new law brings a series of advantages for the community of people with disabilities such as integration into the labor market, where people with disabilities will now have more options to get employed and contribute to the economy while still benefiting from the social protection offered by the pension, greater financial independence allowing them to earn additional income and thereby improve their quality of life, and social inclusion by being active in the labor market, contributing to social inclusion and reducing discrimination.
For the APass community, this legislative change represents a step forward towards a more inclusive and equitable society. We encourage all members to take advantage of these new opportunities and explore the options available in the labor market. APass continues to provide support and resources to help people with disabilities navigate these new legislative realities.
We leave here part of the response from CNDR to the National House of Public Pensions, where you can find the official information. “Considering the above, it results that from the date of entry into force of Law no. 360/2023, disability pensioners classified in the first or second degree of disability, CAN combine the pension with income, regardless of their level, earned from independent activities and/or from intellectual property rights as well as from dependent activities, as regulated by the Fiscal Code.
