An invalidity pension is a form of social security for people whose ability to work has been reduced because of a long-term health condition. But who is really entitled to a disability pension, what are the degrees of disability, how to apply for a pension and how is its amount determined?
An invalidity pension is for people who have lost some or all of their earning capacity as a result of illness, injury or congenital defect. The most common causes are cancer, spinal and joint injuries, chronic diseases of the heart, lungs or nervous system, but also psychological disorders that prevent normal work for a long time.
The basic conditions for the award of an invalidity pension are:
In addition, the claimant must be participating in a pension scheme (typically employed, self-employed or voluntarily insured). If the applicant does not meet the insurance condition, he or she may be entitled to a so-called youth disability pension if the disability was already present during childhood or during studies.
You apply for a pension at the relevant branch of the Czech Social Security Administration(CSSA), which provides a medical assessment of your health and decides whether and to what extent you will be granted a disability pension.
The invalidity pension can be combined with other benefits (such as care allowance) or part-time work. However, it always depends on your specific situation and the degree of disability you have been awarded.
Getting a disability pension is not always easy. If you are unsure how to properly write your application, provide medical documentation, or defend against a denial or incorrect disability rating, contact us. Our attorneys can help you with your application, appeal, and all other steps against the Social Security Administration.
The degree of disability is determined by the Czech Social Security Administration on the basis of the opinion of a medical examiner. The doctor evaluates the medical documentation, the opinions of specialist doctors and the functional effects of the disease on the ability to work. There are three degrees of disability, depending on the percentage reduction in the ability to work.
It is awarded when there is a 35-49% reduction in the ability to work. It typically refers to chronic illnesses, mobility problems or mental disorders that limit but do not exclude a person from the labour market. People with this level of disability can often work in less demanding jobs or part-time.
In addition to the disability pension itself, you may be entitled to tax credits, health insurance benefits and you can claim a contribution towards compensatory aids. You can also claim an increase in your pension if your health deteriorates.
The amount of the pension: the amount of a first degree invalidity pension is usually a few thousand crowns per month and always depends on the person’s previous income and the length of pension insurance. The basic rate of pension in 2026 is CZK 4 900.
Indicates a 50-69% reduction in working capacity. This degree often occurs after major injuries such as spinal surgery, cervical spine surgery or after long-term illnesses (e.g. autoimmune diseases, heart failure, advanced diabetes, etc.).
For example, a patient who has undergone surgery for a herniated disc and has limited mobility and persistent back pain and is unable to perform his or her original physically demanding job but is able to do administrative work, for example, may qualify.
Benefits: the possibility of combining a disability pension with part-time work, tax rebates, allowances for compensatory aids and rehabilitation, the possibility of registering with the employment office. If a person is recognised as disabled in stage 2, he or she does not have to worry about losing all work opportunities.
This is the highest recognised degree of disability in the Czech Republic. The ability to work has decreased by at least 70%, based on the fact that the person is not capable of gainful employment in any regular occupation. This form is often the result of severe neurological disorders, advanced cancer, amputations or mental illnesses that make normal working patterns impossible.
For example, it can be acquired by a patient after a severe car accident with permanent paralysis of the lower part of the body, or by a patient with a metastatic tumour who is undergoing long-term treatment and is unable to move independently or carry out normal activities.
Benefits: the person is entitled to a full disability pension, often accompanied by an additional care allowance. If necessary, you can also claim a car allowance, disabled adaptations to your home or personal assistance. They may also be included in the social services system.
Czech legislation distinguishes only three degrees of disability. The term “4th degree disability” is not legally anchored and appears more in public debate as an exaggeration for extremely severe cases. Officially, the ČSSZ assesses only grades 1 to 3.
If you think you qualify for an invalidity pension, you need to apply at the relevant branch of the District Social Security Administration (OSSZ), according to your place of residence. You can submit your application in person, electronically via the Social Security Agency’s ePortal ( using a data box or eCitizen), or by post.
The process itself starts with the writing of the application, which is carried out by an employee of the Social Security Office together with you. Prepare your ID card, proof of education and documents proving your previous employment (e.g. credit certificates). It is also important to provide all medical documentation – reports from specialist doctors, examination results, hospital discharge reports and rehabilitation reports.
The application is followed by an assessment procedure. The Social Insurance Institution will send your documents to the assessment department, where a doctor will use the medical records to determine whether and to what extent you meet the conditions for disability. The doctor may also invite you for a personal examination. The whole process usually takes 2-3 months, but in complicated cases it can take longer.
Tip: If you are not awarded a pension or disagree with the level of disability, you can object within 30 days. The objection procedure takes place at the CSSA and is decided by a different doctor than in the original procedure.
Yes, in certain cases, disability pensions can be awarded to people who do not have sufficient pensionable service. These are mainly so-called youth disability pensions.
This exception applies to persons whose medical condition leading to disability has arisen:
The condition is that the invalidity occurred before they could objectively meet the conditions of normal insurance. Often these are people with birth defects, mental disabilities or serious chronic illnesses. The assessment also takes into account the development of the condition over time and the possibilities of integration into normal life.
The youth pension usually has a lower percentage because earnings are not taken into account. Nevertheless, there is a basic rate and entitlement to various forms of support such as care allowance or services
Calculating an invalidity pension may seem complicated, but in a simplified form it can be approximated using two main components: the basic rate and the percentage rate. Together, the two components make up the final amount of pension that the Czech Social Security Administration (CSSA) pays you on a monthly basis.
The basic rate is a fixed amount that is the same for everyone, regardless of previous earnings or length of insurance. In 2026, it is CZK 4,900 per month. This part of the pension is intended to guarantee at least a minimum income for every recipient of an invalidity pension.
The percentage then varies individually. It depends on the amount of income you have paid into the pension and the length of time you have been covered by the pension. Simply put: the longer you have worked and for a higher income, the higher the percentage rate calculated by the CSSA.
The calculation takes into account the total number of years you have worked (insured), the personal assessment base (simply the average of your earnings), the conversion factors that adjust the amount of older earnings to the current level and the factor according to the degree of disability.
For example, if you have a 1st degree disability, 0.5% of the calculation base is calculated for each full year of insurance. For 2nd degree disability it is 0.75% and for 3rd degree disability it is even 1.5%. This reflects the higher need for financial support for more seriously ill people.
If your health has worsened, you can apply for a change in your degree of invalidity or for a recalculation of your pension. Again, the decision is made by the assessing doctor. The procedure is similar to that for making an application.
Tip: Don’t confuse disability pension with sick leave. Disability pension is a long-term benefit, while sickness benefit is only paid for the period of temporary incapacity for work. It is common for sick pay to precede a pension claim if your health does not improve.
Invalidity pensions are for people who have a reduced ability to work because of a long-term disability, and entitlement is subject to conditions such as a reduction in working capacity of at least 35%, a health condition lasting more than a year and sufficient insurance coverage. There are three degrees of invalidity depending on the severity of the impairment – from degree 1 (partial limitation) to degree 3 (practical impossibility to work). The application is submitted to the Social Security Administration and decided by the assessing doctor. The amount of the pension depends on the basic rate (in 2026 it is CZK 4,600) and an individually determined percentage based on earnings and length of insurance. The disability pension can be obtained without years of service – if the disability occurred when you were young. Advantages include the possibility of combining it with part-time work, tax credits and contributions for aids or assistance. If the condition worsens, it is possible to apply for a change of grade.
Yes. The amount of your disability pension may change, mainly as a result of periodic indexation, changes in the law or when your pension is recalculated. It can also change if your health deteriorates or improves and the CSSA decides on a different level of invalidity. If you are not sure whether the CSSA has calculated your pension correctly, it is worth having the calculation checked by a professional.
Even with the same level of disability, each person may have a different amount of pension. The amount of previous earnings, the length of participation in the pension scheme and whether it is a regular disability pension or a youth disability pension are decisive. Differences in the calculation are often the reason for disputes with the Social Security Agency.
In such a case, you have the right to file an objection against the decision of the CSSA within 30 days of receiving the decision. In the objection procedure, you can contest not only the degree of invalidity itself, but also the calculation of the pension or the crediting of the insurance period. A properly formulated objection significantly increases your chances of success – a lawyer can help you prepare one.
Yes. Receiving a disability pension does not exclude gainful employment, even for a 3rd degree disability, if the work is adapted to the medical condition. However, earnings may affect tax liability or eligibility for other social benefits. When combining work and pension, it is advisable to check that the conditions set are in line with the legislation.
Legal advice is particularly useful if you have been refused an invalidity pension, if you have been awarded a lower level of invalidity than is appropriate for your condition, or if you disagree with the amount of your pension. A lawyer can help you to object, appeal against the decision of the Social Security Agency and navigate the entire social security agenda.
Did you apply for a disability pension and get a denial instead of the expected award? Or was your retirement pension calculated differently than you expected? We can help you find out how the Social Security Administration assessed your situation and check whether there was an error.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
In person and online. Just choose the appropriate service or opt for an independent consultation when you are unsure.
