Best Pension Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Pension Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Pension matters in Marijampolė are governed by the national legal framework of the Republic of Lithuania and administered primarily by the State Social Insurance Fund Board known as Sodra. The system is built on three pillars. The first pillar is the state social insurance pension that provides old-age, disability and survivors pensions. The second pillar is funded pension accumulation in private pension funds that receive a share of your salary and a state contribution. The third pillar is voluntary private pension accumulation for additional retirement savings with tax incentives. While the law is national, residents of Marijampolė access services locally through Sodra client service units, municipal social services and local branches of state institutions. Lawyers and legal aid providers in Marijampolė assist with applications, disputes and appeals related to pensions, benefits and funded pension accounts.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if your old-age, disability or survivors pension was refused, suspended or calculated incorrectly and you want to challenge a Sodra decision. Legal help is useful if your employment history or insurance record is incomplete, if your employer failed to declare or pay contributions, or if you need to reconstruct periods of insured employment.

Lawyers assist with early old-age pension applications and the impact of permanent reductions, with disability capacity assessments and re-assessments, and with social assistance pensions for those without sufficient social insurance record. They also advise on funded pensions in the second and third pillars, including inheritance of pension assets, annuity choices at retirement and tax consequences of withdrawals.

Cross-border situations are common. If you worked in another EU or EEA country or in a country with a Lithuanian bilateral agreement, a lawyer can help coordinate records so that each state pays its share. Family law and succession issues also arise. In divorce, funded pension assets accumulated during marriage may be divided under Lithuanian marital property rules, and upon death, second pillar assets are usually inheritable. A lawyer can prepare claims, negotiate with funds, and represent you before administrative bodies and courts.

Local Laws Overview

The core statutes include the Law on State Social Insurance Pensions, the Law on State Social Insurance, the Law on Pension Accumulation second pillar, the Law on Supplementary Voluntary Accumulation of Pensions third pillar, and related tax and social assistance laws. Old-age pensions are indexed annually and the statutory retirement age is increasing stepwise to reach 65 for both women and men in 2026. Eligibility for a state old-age pension depends on reaching the retirement age and having the required social insurance record. There is an option for early old-age retirement up to several years in advance if you have a sufficient record, usually with a permanent reduction to the pension amount.

Disability pensions are awarded based on assessed capacity for work. Survivors benefits can be paid to eligible children and, in specific conditions, to a spouse or partner. Individuals with insufficient social insurance record may qualify for a social assistance pension funded from the state budget if they meet age or disability criteria.

Second pillar funded pensions operate under automatic enrollment rules for eligible workers, with an opt-out window and periodic re-enrollment cycles. Contributions are composed of the participant share drawn from salary and an additional state contribution. Accumulated assets belong to the participant, may be inheritable before annuitization, and at retirement may be paid as a lump sum, installments or an annuity, depending on the accumulated amount and the rules in force. Annuities are provided through the state annuity provider administered by Sodra or other authorized providers depending on the regime applicable at retirement.

Third pillar voluntary pension savings benefit from personal income tax relief within statutory limits if conditions are met. Payouts can be tax favored when withdrawn after a minimum accumulation period and upon reaching retirement age, while early withdrawals may be taxed.

Pensions are generally not subject to social insurance contributions. For personal income tax, most state old-age pensions are not taxed up to the applicable non-taxable threshold, and amounts exceeding the threshold may be taxed under the Personal Income Tax Law. Taxation of second and third pillar payouts depends on the withdrawal type, timing and whether legal conditions for relief are met.

International coordination is based on EU Regulations 883-2004 and 987-2009, which aggregate insurance periods across member states. Lithuania also applies bilateral social security agreements with several countries. Each country where you worked assesses entitlement proportionally and pays its share directly.

Administrative review and appeal routes exist. You can request reconsideration of a Sodra decision through its internal review process and then appeal to the Administrative Disputes Commission or the regional administrative court within statutory deadlines. A lawyer can identify the correct forum and timeline, prepare submissions and obtain evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of pensions are available in Lithuania?

The main types are state old-age pensions, early old-age pensions, disability pensions based on capacity for work, survivors pensions for eligible family members, and social assistance pensions for those who do not qualify for insurance-based benefits. In addition, second pillar funded pensions and third pillar voluntary pensions provide supplementary retirement income.

What is the retirement age and how is it changing?

The statutory retirement age in Lithuania is gradually increasing and will reach 65 for both women and men in 2026. The precise age applicable to you depends on your date of birth. Sodra provides calculators and schedules to confirm your exact retirement age.

How is my state old-age pension calculated?

The state pension has a basic component and an additional component based on your insured income and accumulated pension points. The amounts are indexed annually. Your insurance record, the value of insured income points and the basic pension amount in force at the time of award determine the final sum.

Can I retire early?

Yes, early old-age retirement may be possible up to several years before the statutory age if you have a sufficient insurance record. Early retirement usually results in a permanent reduction to the pension amount. Consider seeking advice to model the long-term impact before applying.

What if I worked in another EU or EEA country?

EU rules allow you to combine insurance periods from different member states. Each state where you were insured will calculate and pay its share directly. You can file one coordinated application through Sodra, which will communicate with foreign institutions on your behalf.

What happens to my second pillar pension savings when I retire?

At retirement your options depend on the accumulated amount and current legal rules. You may receive a lump sum, periodical payments or you may be required to purchase an annuity. The type of annuity and any guarantee period will affect the amount and whether any benefit passes to heirs. Review your fund rules and seek tailored advice before choosing.

Are my second pillar pension assets inheritable?

In most cases, if you die before buying an annuity, the balance in your second pillar account is inheritable and paid to your heirs. If you have already purchased an annuity, inheritance depends on the annuity type and any guarantee period selected in the contract or under the applicable state annuity terms.

How are pensions taxed?

State old-age pensions are generally non-taxable up to the pension non-taxable threshold. Amounts above that threshold may be subject to personal income tax. Second and third pillar payouts can benefit from tax relief if statutory conditions are met, for example minimum accumulation periods and retirement age. Early withdrawals can be taxable. Confirm current thresholds with the State Tax Inspectorate.

What can I do if my employer did not pay contributions?

You can ask Sodra for your insurance record and compare it with your employment documents and payslips. If gaps or underpayments appear, you can file a claim with Sodra, report the issue to the State Labour Inspectorate and consider civil action to recover damages. A lawyer can help gather evidence and pursue remedies.

How do I appeal a Sodra decision?

First file a written request for reconsideration with Sodra within the applicable deadline stated in the decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal to the Administrative Disputes Commission or directly to the regional administrative court, depending on the matter and deadlines. Obtain legal advice promptly to avoid missing time limits.

Additional Resources

State Social Insurance Fund Board Sodra - the primary authority for state pensions, second pillar annuities, insurance records and cross-border coordination. Local client service units operate in Marijampolė.

Ministry of Social Security and Labour - sets pension policy and issues secondary legislation and guidance on pensions and social assistance.

Bank of Lithuania - supervises second and third pillar pension funds and provides out-of-court dispute resolution for disputes with financial market participants.

State Tax Inspectorate VMI - provides guidance on personal income tax rules for pensions and on tax relief for third pillar contributions.

State Labour Inspectorate - addresses undeclared work and unpaid social insurance contributions that can affect pension rights.

State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service - assesses eligibility for state-funded legal aid and connects eligible residents of Marijampolė with lawyers.

Marijampolė Municipality Social Support Department - advises on social assistance pensions and municipal social services for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Employment Service - provides information on pre-retirement employment, unemployment benefits and how employment affects pension timing.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Collect key documents. Gather your passport or ID, personal identification number, employment contracts, payslips, certificates of service, disability assessments, birth or marriage certificates for survivors claims, and any second or third pillar statements.

Step 2 - Check your insurance record. Request an extract of your social insurance periods and insured income from Sodra. Note any gaps or discrepancies for discussion.

Step 3 - Identify your goal. Decide whether you plan to claim an old-age pension, apply for early retirement, seek a disability or survivors pension, dispute a calculation, or make a funded pension decision.

Step 4 - Estimate benefits. Use Sodra calculators and your fund statements to estimate the state pension and funded pension amounts. Consider tax implications and annuity options.

Step 5 - Seek legal advice. Contact a pensions or social security lawyer in Marijampolė, or apply to the State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service to check if you qualify for funded assistance. Bring your documents and any Sodra decisions to the consultation.

Step 6 - File applications or appeals on time. Submit your pension application or reconsideration request to Sodra within deadlines. If needed, prepare an appeal to the Administrative Disputes Commission or administrative court. A lawyer can draft submissions and represent you.

Step 7 - Follow up and adjust. Monitor the progress of your case, respond to information requests, and review any offers or calculations. Reassess your second and third pillar strategy as you approach retirement or after major life events.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For decisions that affect your rights or finances, consult a qualified lawyer in Marijampolė.