Work at home for seniors and people with disabilities: options and rights

“Additional work at home for seniors”, “remote work for people with disabilities”, “work at home for people with disabilities” – such searches are increasing in Lithuania. Older people want to top up their pension and stay active, and for people with disabilities work from home is often the simplest way to work without daily travel.

In this part of the guide: which jobs from home suit seniors and people with disabilities, whether the pension is paid while you work, what rights the Labour Code provides and where to turn for help.

Which jobs from home suit seniors

Seniors' greatest advantage is experience. It is valuable in many jobs that can be done from home:

• Consulting in your own field – for former accountants, engineers, teachers, tradespeople.
• Lessons and tutoring – in person or by video call.
• Translation and proofreading – especially for those who know Russian, German or other languages.
• Handicrafts – knitwear, embroidery, woodwork that can be sold.
• Customer service by phone – some companies value patience and experience in dealing with people.
• Childcare or helping neighbours – although not online, it is often found through the internet.

Is the pension paid while you work

Yes. The State Social Insurance Fund Board (Sodra) states that if, after the pension has been granted, you work and pay pension social insurance contributions, the amount of the old-age pension is updated every year from 1 January, taking into account the insurance record gained in the previous year. The new amount starts being paid no later than July, together with the difference owed since January. You do not need to submit an application – this is done automatically.

In other words, work does not reduce the pension, and over time it may increase it slightly. If you receive another benefit (for example, a social assistance pension or a work incapacity pension), check the rules with Sodra.

Work from home for people with disabilities

The Employment Service states that the Labour Code provides additional options for people with disabilities: adaptation of working conditions, part-time or remote work, longer holidays. In addition, Article 52 of the Labour Code obliges the employer to grant a request to work remotely if the employee submits a conclusion from a healthcare institution based on their state of health – unless the employer objectively justifies that this is impossible.

The state pays a wage subsidy to employers who employ people with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour states that for persons assessed with a participation level of up to 25 per cent or a severe level of disability, the subsidy is paid for an unlimited period. This increases employers' willingness to create such jobs.

Beware of scams

Older people often become the target of “work at home” schemes: they are offered packing, folding or sorting at home, but before starting they are asked to pay for materials or a shipment. A real employer never asks a worker to pay. More in the part of the guide on packing and folding work at home.

Independent earnings: without an employer

If you cannot find an employer or would like a more flexible schedule, you can earn independently: give consultations, sell handicrafts or recommend products to people you know for a commission. Family members can help you set up accounts and payments.

Frequently asked questions