Best Retirement Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Retirement Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Retirement in Marijampolė follows the national framework of the Republic of Lithuania. The system is built on three pillars - the state social insurance old-age pension administered by the State Social Insurance Fund Board Sodra, funded pension accumulation managed by private pension funds the second pillar, and voluntary private savings the third pillar. Your state pension amount depends on your insured employment record and pension points acquired from contributions. Lithuania is equalizing the standard retirement age to 65 for both women and men by 2026. The exact age at which you can retire depends on your date of birth. Pensions are indexed annually to reflect wage and economic growth. Residents of Marijampolė handle applications and questions through the local Sodra client service and other regional bodies, but the substantive rules are national.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People in Marijampolė seek legal help with retirement when they face complex or disputed situations. Common examples include disagreement with Sodra over insurance record years or pension points, missing records for work performed before reforms or abroad, combining periods from multiple EU or non-EU countries, early old-age pension or pre-retirement benefit eligibility, crediting child care, military service, or sickness periods, switching, opting out, or rejoining the second pillar, disputing pension fund fees or performance, choosing between annuity and lump sum at retirement from the second pillar, taxation issues for larger pensions or when living abroad, and appealing administrative decisions. A lawyer can review your documents, calculate entitlements, prepare and submit applications or appeals, represent you in disputes, and coordinate cross-border claims.

Local Laws Overview

Lithuanian retirement law is set nationally and applies in Marijampolė. Key acts include the Law on State Social Insurance Pensions, the Law on Accumulation of Pensions, the Law on Pension Annuities, and related indexation and taxation rules. The standard retirement age is gradually increasing and will be 65 for both women and men by 2026. To qualify for any state old-age pension you generally need a minimum of 15 years of state social insurance record. To receive the full basic part you need a longer qualifying period that is being phased in year by year and is moving toward 35 years. Your pension has two main parts - a basic amount tied to qualifying years and an additional amount based on the pension points you earned from insured income. Early old-age pension may be available up to 5 years before the standard age if you meet strict conditions and accept a reduction. A separate pre-retirement benefit exists for eligible unemployed persons nearing retirement. Second pillar participation involves personal contributions and a state top-up, with options at retirement that include lifetime annuities administered by Sodra for sufficient balances or programmed withdrawals or lump sums for smaller balances. Administrative decisions can usually be challenged first at Sodra and then before the Administrative Disputes Commission or an administrative court within set deadlines. EU social security coordination rules allow you to combine insurance periods from EU or EEA countries and Switzerland, with each country paying a proportional share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current retirement age in Lithuania for Marijampolė residents

The same rules apply nationwide. Lithuania is phasing in a unified retirement age of 65 for women and men by 2026. Your exact retirement date depends on your date of birth. Sodra provides a calculator that shows your age and date based on your birth year.

How many years of insurance record do I need

You generally need at least 15 years of state social insurance record to qualify for an old-age pension. To receive the full basic part you need a longer qualifying period that is increasing annually and is moving toward 35 years. If you have fewer years, you may still receive a reduced pension.

How is my state pension calculated

There are two parts. The basic part depends on your qualifying insurance years. The additional part depends on the pension points you earned from insured income. Each year the government sets the value of one pension point and the basic amount. Both are indexed annually. Your total pension equals the basic amount plus your points multiplied by the point value.

Can I retire early

Early old-age pension can be available up to 5 years before your standard age if you have a long insurance record and meet other conditions. Early pensions are reduced compared to standard pensions. There is also a pre-retirement benefit for eligible unemployed persons close to retirement age, administered via the Employment Service. Early benefits may be suspended or reduced if you take up employment.

Can I work and receive my pension

Yes. You can work while receiving a standard old-age pension without losing it. Your wages may increase your future indexation base only through system-wide indexation, not through new points after retirement unless you have additional insured employment that accrues. Some early pensions or pre-retirement benefits may be reduced or suspended if you work.

Do child care or military service periods count

Certain non-contributory periods can be credited toward your insurance record under Lithuanian law, such as child care leave up to a statutory limit per child and mandatory military service for periods covered by the law. Evidence must be provided. A lawyer can help document and claim these credits.

I worked in another EU country. How will that affect my pension

Under EU coordination rules, periods of insurance, employment, or residence in EU or EEA countries and Switzerland can be added together to meet eligibility. Each country calculates and pays its proportional pension. You usually apply through Sodra in Lithuania, which will exchange information with other countries.

What about my second pillar pension savings

If you participated in the funded second pillar, your balance is used at retirement according to law. If the accumulated amount is above a legal threshold, you must purchase a lifetime annuity administered by Sodra. Smaller amounts may be paid as programmed withdrawals or a lump sum. Amounts not converted to an annuity are usually inheritable. Annuities may offer a guaranteed period option that can be inheritable during the guarantee term.

Are pensions taxed

Pensions are subject to personal income tax only above a statutory non-taxable amount. Most ordinary pensions fall within the non-taxable threshold. Pensions are not subject to social insurance contribution deductions. If you live abroad, tax treatment may also depend on double tax treaties and your tax residency.

How do I apply for a pension in Marijampolė

You can apply online via your Sodra personal account, in person at the Sodra client service for Marijampolė, or by mail. Apply a few months before reaching your retirement age. Prepare identification, documents proving your insurance record, proof of name changes, child care or military service documents if relevant, and second pillar information if you have it.

Additional Resources

State Social Insurance Fund Board Sodra - administers state pensions, pension points, annuities for the second pillar, and handles applications and decisions. Ministry of Social Security and Labour - policy and legal acts on pensions and social insurance. Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour - manages pre-retirement benefits and services for older workers. Bank of Lithuania - supervises pension fund managers and handles consumer complaints about second and third pillar providers. Marijampolė Municipality Social Support Department - local information on social assistance that may complement pension income. State Labour Inspectorate - guidance on employment termination, severance, and age related workplace issues. State Guaranteed Legal Aid Service - provides state funded legal aid for eligible residents with low income. Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson - handles age discrimination issues in employment and services.

Next Steps

Identify your expected retirement date and collect your documents early - passport or ID card, work record data, child care or military service documents, and any certificates from previous employers or foreign institutions. Check your Sodra account for recorded insurance periods and reported earnings. If data is missing, request corrections from employers or submit proof to Sodra. If you have second pillar savings, ask your pension fund for an up to date statement and learn your payout options. If you will apply from abroad or have foreign periods, prepare certificates of coverage from those countries. If you face a dispute or an adverse decision, note the deadline on the notice - many appeals must be filed within about one month. Consult a lawyer who focuses on social insurance and pensions in Marijampolė for a review of your calculation, strategy on early retirement or pre-retirement benefits, cross-border coordination, and representation in appeals. During the consultation, bring your documents, a timeline of your employment, and any correspondence with Sodra or pension funds. This preparation will help you receive the correct pension amount on time and protect your rights.