Es experta en temas de seguridad social y avisa: “Se habla de empezar a valorar cada aporte para la jubilación y existan prestaciones proporcionales”

Silvia Stang, an economics editor with extensive expertise in social security matters, has warned that the current pension system in Argentina faces structural flaws and requires reform. In an exclusive interview with La Nación, she emphasized the need to begin valuing each contribution made toward retirement and ensure benefits are proportional to the number of years actually contributed, particularly for individuals who have not met the requirement of 30 years of contributions under the national pension system managed by Anses. Stang outlined how the existing framework fails to provide adequate support for retirees, noting that state pensions alone are often insufficient to maintain the standard of living before retirement. She explained that the current calculation includes a basic universal benefit plus a proportional component based on the average salary over the last 120 months, which applies primarily to those in formal employment. This structure leaves many vulnerable, especially those who have worked fewer than 30 years. The discussion around pension reform comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of Argentina’s social security system. Stang highlighted that while multiple public pension systems operate in the country, the primary one, managed by Anses, is the most widely used. It currently requires women to reach age 60 and men to reach 65 to qualify for a pension. Other systems exist, but they are typically more specialized and less accessible to the general population. According to Stang, the 11 percent payroll deduction for the pension system is part of a broader set of contributions. Employees also pay 3 percent for health coverage through their social security plan, which can sometimes be redirected to private insurance providers. Employers contribute additional amounts, making the overall financial burden on businesses larger than that borne directly by workers. Informal employment remains a critical issue affecting the pension system. Stang noted that nearly seven out of every 10 retirees under Anses have faced periods of unpaid contributions, leading to moratoriums on their benefits. These unresolved issues continue to pose challenges for the stability of the system. She stressed the importance of recognizing contributions made by those who worked fewer than 30 years and ensuring they receive proportional benefits accordingly. The specialist underscored the difficulty retirees face in maintaining their quality of life after leaving the workforce. Without additional savings or alternative income sources, many will struggle to sustain their pre-retirement lifestyle. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that address both the structural weaknesses of the current system and the realities of informal labor markets. The call for reform reflects broader discussions within Argentina about how to build a sustainable and equitable pension system. Experts argue that without meaningful changes, the gap between contributions and benefits will widen, further straining the system. The challenge lies in designing policies that balance fiscal responsibility with the need to protect the livelihoods of future retirees. As debates continue, policymakers must consider how to integrate informal workers into the system and ensure that all contributors receive fair treatment. The focus should remain on creating mechanisms that value every year of work and provide proportionate returns, regardless of the duration of contributions. This approach could help bridge the current divide between formal and informal sectors and lay the groundwork for a more resilient pension system.