Belgium’s decision to push the official retirement age from 65 to 66 is already showing big effects on both people’s lives and the state budget.

In the first five months of 2025, about 22,000 fewer people retired compared with the same period last year. According to figures from the Federal Pensions Service, that meant the government spent around €100 million less on pensions.

The rule change, which took effect in January, was originally decided back in 2014 under the Michel government. It raised the legal retirement age to 66 this year and will push it further to 67 in 2030.

For workers, the shift is significant. Anyone who turned 65 in December 2024 was still allowed to retire on 1 January 2025. But those hitting 65 just a month later, in January 2025, will now have to wait until they turn 66—meaning they can only claim their pension from February 2026.

The impact was immediate. “From February through April, 60% fewer people retired compared with the same months in 2024,” said Federal Pensions Service spokesperson Vik Beullens. On average, Belgian pensions amount to about €1,850 per month, so delaying retirements quickly adds up in government savings.