Record high number of pensioners in Belgium

The number of pensioners in Belgium continues to rise, according to the annual report of the National Pensions Office (RvP). More and more Belgians retire with a combined career of both employed and self-employed work.

The number of pensioners in Belgium has been growing steadily since 2009. In 2013, the Belgian state paid 1,895,861 pensions, a record high and an increase of 6.95% compared to five years earlier. The increase is occurring at a steady rate, says RvP, with the number of pensions in 2012 and 2013 increasing by 2.18% and 2.10%, respectively.

The number of people to work their entire career as an employee has increased by 6.23% since 2009, while the number of career-long independents went up by 4.91%. About 33.8% of retirees have a mixed career behind them, partially as an employee and partially as an independent.