On March 9th 2016 Decree-law 10/2016 came into force in Portugal re-establishing temporary early-retirement rules that had been in effect during 2015. These rules provide that access to early retirement benefits is only available to workers over the age of 60 who have contributed to the social security system for at least 40 years. During the short period from January 1st 2016 to March 8th 2016 early retirement benefit was once again available to individuals aged over 55 who had made at least 30 years of contributions to the social security system.