Elderly demographics and pension trends in Romania

Romania is experiencing significant demographic and economic shifts regarding its elderly population. Reports indicate rising levels of loneliness and poverty among seniors, with approximately 29.3% of Romanians aged 65 and over at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This rate is notably higher than the European average of 19.5%. Furthermore, 19.6% of Romanian seniors face severe material and social deprivation, a figure nearly four times the EU average of 5.1%.

Financial hardships, including the inability to afford heating, medical devices, or transportation, contribute to social isolation, particularly for those in single-person households. In Sălaj county, authorities report increasing requests for care center housing, though available spots are becoming difficult to find. This isolation is often exacerbated by the migration of children abroad, leaving many seniors without family support.

Simultaneously, the private pension system is seeing increased activity. Data from the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) shows a 54.6% increase in net personal asset payments from the Pillar 2 system during the first half of 2026, with 42,229 participants and beneficiaries receiving payments compared to 27,316 the previous year. Officials attribute this to the system’s maturation as large generational cohorts reach retirement age. Since January 1, 2024, the Pillar 2 contribution rate has been 4.75% of gross income.

Regarding state social insurance, Law no. 44/2026 established that, starting March 30, 2026, the death benefit for pensioners or insured individuals will increase to 9,192 lei, up from 8,620 lei.