Andorra Proposes Early Retirement at 60 for Severely Disabled Workers

The Andorran government has submitted a qualified bill to the General Council to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, including provisions for early retirement at age 60 for workers aged 55 to 64 with severe or very severe impairments.

The measure targets two groups: individuals with a recognised disability of 45% or higher (severe) who have specific disabilities or associated pathologies leading to premature ageing, and those with 60% or higher (very severe). An economic impact assessment projects that 23 people could benefit over the next five years, with six eligible immediately upon approval at an initial annual cost of around €80,000.

For the 12 people with 45%+ disabilities, three aged 60-64 would qualify right away, costing €19,933 yearly (€6,644 per person). The other nine, aged 55-59, would access it progressively over five years—three within one year, two more in year two, two in year three, and two in year four—potentially reaching €126,050 annually (€14,000 per person).

Among the 11 with 60%+ disabilities, three over 60 would cost €57,063 yearly (€19,000 per person) immediately. The remaining eight, aged 55-59, would join gradually, adding up to €84,508 in a full-uptake scenario.

Pension amounts will match those at ordinary retirement age, funded by the Andorran social security system. The bill ends the automatic shift from invalidity to old-age pensions at 60, which previously eliminated non-contributory supplements for some. Of 54 people aged 55-59 on invalidity pensions, 23 receive €140,000 annually in such supplements (€6,000 per person) and will retain them.

A transitional clause aids three people who already switched pensions despite 45%+ invalidity and related conditions, restoring supplements at nearly €35,000 yearly. For others previously affected, costs range from €500-€800 monthly per person, though the number is unspecified.

The bill also mandates a national prevention plan, to be approved and updated periodically by the government. It will cover prenatal and paediatric care, vaccinations, workplace and road safety, public health, accident prevention, healthy habits, and support for vulnerable groups like the elderly. The government may appoint prevention experts to assist.

All cost projections assume maximum participation and remain theoretical.