Full military service period to count toward national pension enrollment from 2027

Credit restricted for those removed from military register due to imprisonment

Starting next year, the entire period of military service will count toward national pension enrollment — but those removed from the military register will not be eligible for the benefit.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Monday it is pursuing a plan to restrict the national pension military credit in such cases, in order to limit the benefit to those who completed their full service in good standing.

The military credit system adds a portion of time spent in the military to a person's national pension enrollment period. Previously, only six months were recognized, but a legal amendment last year expanded the maximum to 12 months starting in January.

The government has decided to go further, resolving to recognize the entire duration of actual military service starting next year to better secure retirement income for young people.

However, the government plans to carve out exceptions. Those removed from the military register after receiving a prison sentence will have their military credit restricted. Those reassigned to wartime labor service will likewise be ineligible.

"Further consultations with the Ministry of National Defense are needed, but credit will be restricted upon removal from the military register in cases where a court hands down a prison sentence — not merely a period of detention like the old military jail system," a Ministry of Health and Welfare official said. "The same applies to those reassigned to wartime labor service after receiving a sentence of imprisonment or confinement."

Although recognition of the full service period takes effect next year, no such restriction currently exists in law. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to pursue a legislative amendment in the second half of this year to add a limiting clause to the credit provision.

[Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare Facebook]
[Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare Facebook]

thlee@heraldcorp.com