Serbian Pension Fund Promises New Financial Aid for Pensioners

Director Reja Ognjenović of the Republic Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance (PIO) announced that a state financial aid package for Serbian pensioners will be paid no later than 15 September, calling it the largest assistance provided to date. The announcement followed a public meeting in Belgrade’s Rakovica municipality attended by more than 300 pensioners and was reiterated at a later gathering in Čačak with similar participation. Ognjenović said the fund is working with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labour on the necessary legal amendments to implement the payment, and that additional increases and a special supplement for low‑income pensioners will be introduced before the end of the year, faster than previously expected.

Separately, new pension legislation in Serbia will allow individuals without formal employment history to qualify for a pension, provided they have independently paid pension and disability contributions for at least 15 years and reach the retirement age of 65 (64 for women). The law defines minimum and maximum contribution bases and introduces optional early‑retirement options with reduced benefits.