The issue is in the spotlight after the PPA's former director, Elmar Vaher, was declared a suspect in a case of benefit fraud; Vaher had allegedly seen to it that another high-ranking state official Eerik Heldna, would see his full pension rights guaranteed, by declaring him a full-time PPA employee at a time when he was engaged in a period of secondment with the Estonian Defense Forces.

The PPA's special pension stands at a little over €500 per month; all told, this cost the stat €8.5 million last year and, since the pension is indexed on April 1 annually, the value rises each year.

PPA, Rescue Board (Päästeamet) and prison officers who have worked for their authority for at least 25 years have the right to receive a full pension.

1,456 people are currently registered as receiving this pension, though a separate figure for PPA officers alone could not be given, the Social Insurance Board (SKA) told ERR.

The special pension consists of a base of €276 per month, brought up to a maximum of €506 per month, depending on service length.

Other professions to receive a pension on that basis include aviation workers, miners, sailors, special needs teachers and public transport drivers in urban areas.

Heldna had allegedly qualified for the 25-year service period thanks to Vaher's intervention in his case.

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