Disability pension schemes as well as sickness cash benefits have received considerable attention as many countries have experienced an increasing number of beneficiaries. Too many people leave the labour market permanently due to health problems and too few people with a disabling condition are working.

The main concern for policy-makers and experts is high and rising costs and the wrong incentive structure in social security schemes. Many see disability schemes as an easy avenue out of the labour market.

In order to address this situation, various questions need to be considered:

• Who is drawing disability pensions?
• Are the beneficiaries incapable of working altogether or rather incapable of working at their last place of employment?
• What can be done to prevent people from becoming a disability pensioner or what can be done to encourage disability pensioners to return to the labour market?

 

Some European countries have introduced reforms in this field and others are considering them. The approach to disability pensions differs between countries in terms of solutions as well as planned reforms. The ISSA European network seminar will provide an ideal opportunity to share first hand experiences and examine alternative approaches in this field.

The working language of the seminar is English.

Information for participants is available on the ISSA Extranet.