New Bill to Facilitate Combining Work and Disability Pension

The Finnish government submitted a bill to Parliament in April 2026, proposing a new model to facilitate the combination of work and disability pension. This reform is anticipated to come into effect at the start of 2028, aiming to support disability pensioners' opportunities to participate in working life.

The proposed flexible model will allow for more flexible work trials alongside disability pensions. A key change is the introduction of a personal earnings safeguard threshold. Earnings below this threshold will not affect the pension amount. Additionally, a "flexible allowance" will be introduced, equivalent to twice the monthly safeguard threshold.

If earnings exceed the flexible allowance during the year, the excess will be deducted from the monthly pension payment. A new flexible allowance will become available at the start of the following year. Should earnings exceed the safeguard threshold for 12 consecutive months, a full disability pension will transition to a partial disability pension.

If the excess continues for another 12 months, the pension will be terminated entirely. The current system, with a monthly earnings limit (40% for full disability pension, 60% for partial), can lead to pension suspension if exceeded for three consecutive months. The new model would apply to disability pensions, partial disability pensions, and years-of-service pensions.