In Serbia, certain professions are eligible for “benefited work experience,” which means that every 12 months of work is counted as a longer period—ranging from 14 to 18 months—toward pension eligibility, depending on the job. This system, officially referred to as “insurance experience with increased duration,” applies to a variety of roles, from professional divers and ballerinas to firefighters and security guards.
Professions with the highest degree of benefited work experience
- Performing Arts:
- Professional ballerinas and ballet dancers: 12 months of work is counted as 18 months.
- Opera singers: 12 months is counted as 15 months.
- Aviation and Transportation:
- Professional pilots: 12 months is counted as 18 months.
- Teachers of motor flying and air gliding: 12 months is counted as 18 months.
- Skydiving instructors: 12 months is counted as 18 months if they conduct at least 30 jumps per year.
- Mining and Heavy Industry:
- Coal miners: The highest increase is from 12 months to 18 months for positions like miner-site leader and digger.
- Geological and mining research: The increase is from 12 to 15 months.
- Non-ferrous metallurgy: Up to 16 months.
- Foundries and forges: Up to 15 months.
- Manufacturing:
- Glass production: Up to 16 months.
- Chemical industry: Up to 15 months.
- Pharmaceuticals and textiles: Up to 15 months.
- Public Safety and Health:
- Firefighters: 12 months is counted as 14 months.
- Chimney sweeps: 12 months is counted as 15 months.
- Radiology professionals: 12 months is counted as 15 months.
- Construction and Utilities:
- Power line construction: Up to 15 months.
- Cold storage workers: Up to 14 months.
- Specialized Areas:
- Nuclear plants (e.g., INN “VINÄŒA”): 12 months is counted as 15 months.
- Artistic and cultural roles: Ballet dancers see the highest increase, while folk dance performers in professional ensembles see 15 months for every 12 worked.
- Other Notable Professions:
- Professional drivers (e.g., truck drivers): Up to 14 months.
- Production of explosives: Up to 16 months.
- Workers in low temperatures: Up to 14 months.
This special consideration for pension benefits reflects the demanding nature of these professions, with the increased duration aiming to compensate for the often challenging and hazardous working conditions.