Finnish earnings-related pension provider Varma experienced a 6.5 per cent increase in disability pension claims in 2024.

It is the third consecutive year that the number of disability pension applicants has increased, rising to 6,038 in 2024. For the claims granted, mental disorders remained the most common cause of disability.

“In relative terms, the largest increase in applications was in the under-25 age group, although the number of applications from the very youngest age group is significantly lower than, for example, the 55-60 age group. The number of applications in this age group was almost seven times higher than in the under-25 age group," Varma service director, Sanna Salminen, said.

The number of disability pensions granted was concentrated in the age groups over 55. In the under-35 age group, new disability pensions remained at the previous level, and in the 35-59 age group, the numbers even decreased slightly compared to the previous year. The only real increase in new disability pension applications was in the 60+ age group (6.4 per cent).

Among the new disability pensions granted, mental disorders were the main cause of disability, accounting for 32.2 per cent. For women, the rate was as high as 40.3 per cent, while for men it was much lower at 27.6 per cent. The second most common cause of disability was musculoskeletal disorders, at 26.6 per cent.

“For those aged under 45, the main cause of disability pension was, by a large majority, mental disorder. Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, were seen in many claimants as part of the cluster of conditions, which contributes to a much more sensitive recognition and diagnosis of these conditions," Varma chief medical officer, Jan Schugk, said.

In terms of sector, the highest number of disability pensions were granted to workers in the construction and transport sectors, with musculoskeletal disorders being the most typical cause of disability. The next highest number of disability pensions was granted to workers in the care and social work sector. The number of awards reflects the heavy workload of these sectors, but also their significant share of Varma's insurance portfolio.

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