Pension advocacy group challenges proposed changes in Norway impacting cohabitating retirees

Using different pension calculations based on marital status is deemed unacceptable and contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights, according to a pension advocacy group. They have submitted a letter to the Welfare Committee of the Parliament expressing opposition to proposed changes that would reduce pensions for cohabitating retirees, aligning their benefits with those of married pensioners, as suggested by Sirið Stenberg, the Minister of Social Affairs.

Ingrid S. Henriksen, a representative of the pension advocacy group, stated that pensions should not be linked to whether individuals are single or married.

The proposed changes would take effect on January 1, 2025, resulting in a significant reduction for new cohabitating pensioners. Under the new plan, cohabitating pensioners would see a decrease of 2,250 krónur per month, while those receiving the highest early retirement pension would experience an annual decrease of 2,403 krónur, totaling a loss of 28,812 krónur over the year.

The pension group highlights that this represents a drop of 14.1 percent, with the cut for cohabitating high-earners reaching 15.3 percent.

A recorded interview with Ingrid S. Henriksen discussing these changes is available for listening.