In addition to diminished work capacity, another requisite for receiving disability pension or cash rehabilitation benefit is a decrease in earnings. The requirements for receiving disability pension must exist throughout the entire period of being on the pension. Disability pension is suspended when the work capacity of the pension recipient has been restored to a level where he or she no longer fulfils the requirements for receiving the pension.

However, a person on disability pension or cash rehabilitation benefit can engage in gainful employment to some extent. New pension accrues from this work at a rate of 1.6 per cent on annual earnings. The new ‘pension chunk’ is added to the previous pension when the pension is converted into an old-age pension, in other words at the age of 63.
 
If a person on full disability pension receives confirmed income amounting to 40-60 per cent of the average earnings on which the pension is based, consideration is given to converting the pension into partial disability pension or suspending or discontinuing the pension. The Seafarer’s Pension Fund must always be notified of a return to work.

A person on partial disability pension may also work. If his or her stabilised earnings exceed 60 per cent of the average earnings on which the disability pension is based, consideration is given to discontinuing the pension. The Seafarer’s Pension Fund must be notified of a change in earnings.

The above-mentioned limits that apply to gainful employment also apply to disability and partial disability pension awarded as cash rehabilitation benefit.

If a person returning to work from disability pension notices that continuing to work is not possible due to his or her state of health, he or she must reapply for the pension. A new medical statement must accompany the application. The pension is awarded at the previous amount if the disability pension is awarded on the grounds of the same sickness as before.