AZE.US
The standard retirement age for both men and women in Azerbaijan is 65, but several categories of citizens may qualify for an early labor pension under existing law.
Lawmaker Vugar Bayramov, a member of parliament’s Labor and Social Policy Committee, said the right to retire early applies not only to parents with large families, but also to people employed in hazardous or physically demanding jobs and citizens with certain medical conditions.
Parents With Five or More Children
Mothers who have raised five or more children until at least the age of eight may retire five years earlier, at 60.
In some cases, the same benefit may be granted to fathers, provided they were responsible for raising the children and meet the legal requirements.
The rule may also cover adopted children and children placed under guardianship before the age of eight.
Parents who have raised a child with a disability may also qualify for a reduced retirement age under the conditions set by law.
Hazardous and Physically Demanding Jobs
Citizens who have spent the required number of years working in hazardous, difficult or physically demanding conditions may also retire before reaching 65.
The list of eligible occupations and jobs is approved and periodically reviewed by Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers.
Eligibility depends not only on a person’s job title, but also on the length of qualifying service, documented working conditions and the required social insurance record.
Certain Medical Conditions
People diagnosed with specific medical conditions may also qualify for early retirement.
The relevant list and eligibility rules are established through government regulations. In some cases, the retirement age may be reduced by up to 12 years.
Applicants must provide medical records and other documents confirming their right to the benefit.
Calls to Expand Eligibility
Bayramov said the list of people entitled to early retirement should be expanded.
He argued that eligibility should take into account not only the number of children or length of service, but also a person’s health, working conditions and need for social protection.
The main categories eligible for preferential retirement are set out in Articles 8 and 9 of Azerbaijan’s Law on Labor Pensions.
AZE.US