A steadily growing number of pensioners decide to keep working past the age of 65 - an observation which supports government policy
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Economic Affairs 46,000 people over 65 were still active on the labour market in 2014. Five years ago this figure stood at 31,000.
In various media outlets experts highlight numerous reasons for this observation: people live longer and live longer healthier. The experts also add that our elderly do not remain active for the money but because out of their free will. Work gives everyone a place in society, an opportunity to be useful for others.
Daniel BACQUELAINE, Minister for Pensions: « I am pleased to see that an increasing number of Belgians decide to continue working past the age of 65. This tendency shows that society and customs evolve. The pension reforms adhere to this logic and I can only express my joy. Consequently, the commitment of the federal government permitting pensioners to gain additional, unlimited income from professional activities becomes concrete. We adopt policies which increase the freedom of choice for our elderly who want to remain professionally active past the age of 65 or 45 career years ».
Reminder: at the request of Daniel BACQUELAINE the Council of Ministers approved the bills and royal decrees abolishing the restrictions on cumulating professional income with a pension as from 1st January 2015. As from this date pensioners past the age of 65 will be permitted to gain additional, unlimited income.
