We all work with the objective of obtaining a minimum retirement pension at the end of our working life, since, almost always, this represents the main source of income. But, when the pension is not enough to live on, some choose, almost “forced” to go back to work to be able to make ends meet. This decision may sometimes not be the best option. This is what has happened to Yvette Pittet, a portfolio who, after more than 43 years of contributions, of which 18 worked in the region of Haute-Savoie, France, decided to rejoin the labor market after not being able to maintain her pension of 640 euros. Now he faces a debt of 44,424 euros for having collected the pension improperly.
It all starts when this woman, after 43 years working, of which 18 were as a portfolio, decides to retire early at the age of 61, something permitted, since she met the requirements established in France. His surprise was when they told him that his retirement pension would be 640 euros per month.
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Seeing that the pension was not enough to live on or pay the most basic expenses, he had no choice but to go back to work. First he was as a home helper in an Aide à domicile en milieu rural (ADMR), and then as Atsem in a daycare center. Then, in 2021 he obtained a permanent contract in the public service, this being the key moment of his debt with the administration.
Debt of 44,424 euros for collecting the pension and working
Three years after getting this last job, Yvette received a notification from the Treasury informing her of the suspension of her pension. As well as the suspension, a notification also arrived indicating that he had to return 44,424 euros in undue charges.
The reason was that for four years he was collecting his retirement pension while working, something that is incompatible, according to the media. Nord Littoral.
At that moment he realized that the regulations in France say that, while in the private sector retirees can work without this affecting the collection of their pension, in the public sector there are restrictions. The law establishes a limit of income that a retired official can receive if he decides to return to work. Since Yvette Pittet unknowingly exceeded that threshold, she lost the right to continue collecting her pension while working.
For Pittet and his family, the sanction is incomprehensible. His son has harshly criticized the system, stating that “He has worked all his life, 30 years at the service of others, and now they are demanding that he return almost 45,000 euros. It seems like a completely unfair situation to us.For her part, Yvette has expressed her indignation, stating: “I’ve paid taxes my whole life, I’ve followed all the rules, and now they’re watching me like I’ve committed a crime.”.
Not satisfied, Pittet has decided to appeal the sanction before the administrative court, although it has been rejected. His lawyer explained that, although the judge recognized the inequity of the case, he could not rule against current legislation. As a result, the court decided to reduce his pension of 640 euros by 30% to pay this debt.
Now, Pittet wants to give voice to his story and warns other public workers of what in his opinion is an injustice, this little-known norm. “Very few people know this law. There are other officials in the same situation and this must be made public,” he declared. In the meantime, he will have to find a way to return the money to the state.