INPS has published instructions on how to combine the contributions divided between various managements free of charge to obtain a single pension (circular no. 60 of 16/3/2017). For the time being, the indications only concern workers who have multiple contributory segments from various social security managements managed by INPS itself (employees, self-employed, separate management and substitute and exclusive forms). In reality, the latest budget law also allows free accumulation to workers who have paid contributions to professional funds, but the instructions for these subjects are deferred to a subsequent circular.
We then come to the indications for those whose contributions are divided between the various INPS managements. First of all, the Institute explains that the free accumulation can be used to obtain both old-age benefits and early retirement.
THE CUMULUM FOR OLD-AGE PENSION
In the first case, the novelty is that the various portions of contributions will also be able to be added up by workers who already have 20 years of contributions to a single INPS management and who therefore (also in the presence of the personal data requirement) would already be entitled to a pension alone with those of old age. Up until last year this circumstance did not allow for the cumulation to be requested. Now yes, but the effective date of retirement cannot be earlier than 1 February 2017.
THE CUMULA FOR THE EARLY PENSION
The same date-limit also applies to those who accumulate contributions with the aim of retiring early. Without prejudice to this barrier, the treatment starts from the first day of the month following that of the submission of the application. Again, of course, the age requirements of the early retirement rules must be met at the same time, including adjustments to increases in life expectancy.
AND WHO ALREADY HAS A PENSION?
On the other hand, cumulation is not allowed for those who already receive a pension. Therefore, if you were thinking of adding other years of contributions paid to different managements (including professional funds) to strengthen the check you already receive every month, know that it is not possible.
SURVIVORS AND INABILITY
The INPS then explains that it is possible to request the accumulation also to request the indirect pension for survivors and the disability pension. The first is a benefit similar to a survivor's pension, from which it is distinguished by the fact that the deceased was a worker who has not yet retired. The second, on the other hand, is the treatment guaranteed to workers for whom the absolute and permanent impossibility of carrying out any work activity is ascertained.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY STARTED PAYING FOR THE CUMULATION
Finally, those who have an onerous reunification measure in progress and are already entitled to a cumulative pension, but have not yet paid the full amount due, can ask for the repayment of the shares paid, which will be reimbursed in four annual instalments.
