Varhaiseläkkeelle

Varhaiseläkkeelle, or early retirement, refers to the option of retiring from work before reaching the statutory retirement age. In Finland, the general retirement age is gradually increasing, and varhaiseläkkeelle allows individuals to cease working earlier, often due to health reasons, long working careers, or a desire to retire sooner.

There are different types of early retirement pensions in Finland. One common form is the disability pension, which is granted if an individual's ability to work has permanently diminished due to illness or injury. Another is the unemployment pension, which can be granted to long-term unemployed individuals who have reached a certain age. Additionally, some collective agreements may offer specific early retirement schemes.

The eligibility criteria for varhaiseläkkeelle vary depending on the specific pension type. Generally, it involves meeting certain age requirements and having a sufficient earnings-related pension history. The amount of the early retirement pension is typically calculated based on the individual's previous earnings and the duration of their working life. Applying for early retirement usually involves submitting an application to the relevant pension provider, such as Kela or a private pension insurance company, along with supporting medical or employment documentation.