Rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system, also known as vocational rehabilitation, may be an option for you if you are no longer able to complete your work tasks as a result of an illness or injury. Vocational rehabilitation can also help you to return to working life when you have been granted fixed-term disability pension, referred to as a cash rehabilitation benefit.
Always discuss vocational rehabilitation first with your occupational health service or other health care professional, and ask them to provide you with a medical statement B to attach to your vocational rehabilitation application. You can complete the application for vocational rehabilitation through our online application service.
Eligibility for rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system
You are eligible for rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system if
- the risk of losing your work ability is high and the threat of disability is caused by a diagnosed illness
- your earnings or YEL income from the five previous calendar years was a minimum of EUR 41,143.38 (2024)
- you have earnings from work done within the 36 months prior to the application for rehabilitation or you have been away from work to care for a child under the age of 3 or adopted child over the age of 3
- vocational rehabilitation is likely to prevent disability
- rehabilitation is estimated to bring savings in pension expenses
- you have not yet reached your minimum retirement age for old-age pension.
Rehabilitation requires a rehabilitation plan
A rehabilitation plan is the first step to initiating any period of rehabilitation. If it is clear from the start how you wish to proceed, you can submit your plan already using the rehabilitation application form. As an alternative, you can wait to receive the decision concerning your eligibility for rehabilitation and draft your plan at some point during the nine months in which the decision is valid.
Content of the rehabilitation plan
A proper rehabilitation plan is an essential part of successful rehabilitation. It’s a good idea to begin drafting your rehabilitation plan as soon as possible after receiving your preliminary decision. The plan requires a certain level of active initiative from you. The rehabilitation plan should outline the rehabilitation measures you are prepared to undertake and the work tasks you are intending to pursue. Include the following in your plan:
- method of rehabilitation
- timetable
- expenses
- employment possibilities.
You can draft the plan using a rehabilitation plan form or you can write a free-form explanation. Send the plan to us by mail or e-mail.
If you are unsure how to proceed, contact your rehabilitation planner, whose contact information is stated in your eligibility decision. The planner will help you to draft the plan. If necessary, we can also connect you with a private service provider to discuss alternatives so that you can draft a personal plan that is specifically appropriate for you.
Private service provider’s help in drafting a rehabilitation plan
If necessary, we can connect you with a private service provider to discuss alternatives so that you can draft a personal plan that is specifically appropriate for you. If you are unsure how to proceed, please contact our rehabilitation specialists.
Rehabilitation options
The rehabilitation options include a work trial, work coaching, further training or retraining, or support for entrepreneurship. If necessary, we will provide you help from a rehabilitation planner in order to discuss the various options.
Your work experience, studies, profession and health status will help determine which of the options is the best for you.
Subsistence during rehabilitation
When your rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system begins, you will receive a rehabilitation benefit. You have the possibility to claim compensation for travel and study expenses arising from rehabilitation. This enables you to secure your livelihood throughout the period of rehabilitation. There are two types of rehabilitation benefits: a rehabilitation allowance and rehabilitation increment. While waiting for your rehabilitation to begin, you may also be entitled to rehabilitation assistance.
Rehabilitation benefits are considered taxable income. So for this reason, remember to get and send a new tax card once you have received your rehabilitation decision.
How to apply for rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system
You can apply for rehabilitation under the earnings-related pension system conveniently using our online service. You will need to use your personal online banking codes to complete the application.
It is also still possible to complete a paper application form and send it to us by mail. Further instructions can be found in our Forms and applications page.
Attachments to your application
- Submit a Medical Statement B written by your occupational health physician or attending physician.
- If necessary, we will request other attachments, such as a memorandum concerning work ability negotiations or the employer’s description of your work tasks.
Send statements and attachments to us through our online service. For security reasons, we do not recommend the use of email for sending private information.