Two Inflations, One Pension: Which Number Do Households Actually Feel
September pensions rise by 3%, but individually for each pensioner based on their current amount — not linearly, as some retirees had expected and requested.
The Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIOM) has confirmed that September pensions will rise by 3%, in line with the current legal provision. Unlike previous increases, this time the amount is not linear but individualized — each pensioner receives an increase proportional to their current pension amount, rather than the same amount for everyone.
This approach means pensioners with higher pensions receive a larger nominal increase in denars, while those with lower pensions get less, sparking dissatisfaction among some retirees who had requested a linear increase instead. Over the past two years, pensions received four linear increases totaling 7,000 denars combined.
A working group is currently preparing broader pension system reforms, including multi-fund options, the ability to buy out pension years, and family pensions for surviving relatives. The next statutory adjustment is scheduled for March 2027, and experts caution that the real question isn't the official inflation rate, but how much the basket of goods pensioners rely on most — food, medicine and utilities — has actually gotten more expensive.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · September 30, 2026
