This section contains information on disability pension in Iceland.

In what situation can I claim?

Disability pension from the social security system
In order to be entitled to disability pension (örorkulífeyrir) from the social security system, you will generally need to:

• Be aged 18 to 67;
• Have been domiciled in Iceland for the last three years before application;
• Have an income that is below a certain amount.
• Be assessed with 75% disability / long-term impairment (medical assessment);
• Those who are assessed as having 50-74% disability may be entitled to a disability allowance (örorkustyrkur).

Work-related disability pension
Those who have been employed and have made payments into a pension fund in Iceland may be entitled to a work-related disability pension (örorkulífeyrir frá lífeyrissjóði) https://www.lifeyrismal.is/en/the-pension-gateway

To be entitled to this pension you must:

• Be assessed as having at least 50% disability;
• Have paid into a pension fund for at least two years.

What conditions do I need to meet?

National pension

The amount of disability pension is calculated taking into account:

• Invalidity level
• Age when first when first diagnosed with invalidity level of 75% or more
• Length of residence in Iceland (been domiciled)
•  Annual income
• Marital status/family situation

Numerous things can have an effect on the disability pension amount:

• The pension amount can decrease if other income exceeds a particular amount;
• If income is under a certain amount, a pension supplement (tekjutrygging) may be paid;
• Child pension (barnalífeyrir) is paid for children under 18 years of age if the child or one of the parents has been domiciled in Iceland for at least three years.
• If both parents are disability pensioners, a double child pension is paid;
• A supplement for social assistance is paid in special circumstances. Examples of other supplements (uppbætur) are single-person household supplements, special supplements for support and other supplements;
• The income of a spouse does not have an effect on calculations except as relates to capital gains;
• Before determining the level of disability, the physician may decide to send the applicant to rehabilitation. An application can then be submitted for a rehabilitation pension.

Work-related pension

Work-related disability pension is assessed based on the extent of the disability and how much the applicant has paid into a pension fund.

What am I entitled to and how can I claim?

Fill in an application form for disability pension at the Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun).

What is the application process?

• A physician will fill in a disability assessment form and send it to the Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun); https://www.tr.is/
• The applicant will receive a questionnaire about his/her abilities in various fields;
• The Social Insurance Administration will assess the application. Rehabilitation options are investigated before an assessment is performed;
• Assessments of disability may be temporary. A new application can be submitted when an older assessment expires;
• Disability pensions are paid in advance on the first day of every month;
• Work-related disability pensions;
• The application must be sent to the pension fund to which the applicant has contributed.

Jargon busters

• Disability: Disability means impaired skills and ability to work after an accident or illness; an insurance physician assesses the disability, and the assessment determines how much disability pension is paid;
• Domicile: The place in which you have your fixed, permanent and principal home for legal purposes. Permanent residence is the place where you spend your free time, keep your belongings and where you sleep. Your domicile where you live each time;
• Income supplement: Special payment to which old-age and disability pension recipients are entitled from the social security insurance; the amount of the income supplement depends on the income amount of the person and that of his/her spouse;
• Supplement: Additional or extra payment;
• Rehabilitation: people undertake e.g. rehabilitation in a hospital or other medical facility to recover and achieve their former ability after an illness or accident; rehabilitation can involve e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Forms you may need to fill in

• Application form for disability pension
• Other forms relating to disability pension

Know your rights

The following websites provide information on your rights. They are not, however, operated by the EU Commission and do not reflect the Commission's views:

• Information on disability pension from the Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun)
• Roadmap on disability pension
• Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun) agencies throughout Iceland

Publications and websites operated by the EU Commission:

• Social Insurance: Rights of EU citizens overseas

Who do you need to contact?

Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun)
Hlíðasmári 11
201 Kópavogur, Iceland 
Tel: + (354) 560 4400
E-mail: tr@tr.is
www.tr.is