In a radio interview, the Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) said the Dominican Pension System requires legal reform to ensure more workers qualify for a guaranteed minimum pension at retirement. SIPEN’s superintendent, Francisco A. Torres, noted that while current law sets a pension floor equivalent to the average private-sector minimum wage, eligibility should also reflect factors such as the number of contributions and contribution frequency. He argued that contributing for less than half of required periods cannot deliver even a minimum guaranteed pension, and said most Dominicans contribute in fewer than 40% of periods. Torres also highlighted that the total contribution rate is 9.97% of salary, which he described as the second lowest in the region compared with around 15% to more than 20% in other countries. Separately, he identified lack of information as a key challenge and said SIPEN has launched a mass education plan spanning universities, schools, companies and other public settings.
Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) 2025-11-19
Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency calls for legal reform to widen access to the guaranteed minimum pension
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) seeks legal reforms to ensure more workers qualify for a guaranteed minimum pension. Superintendent Francisco A. Torres noted most workers contribute in fewer than 40% of periods, and the 9.97% contribution rate is among the region's lowest. SIPEN has launched a mass education plan to address the lack of information on pension contributions.