A disabled pensioner cannot get a monthly income of less than €603 ($696), as determined by the Constitutional Court. There are approximately one million disability pensioners; consequently, the ruling acknowledges the entitlement of a significant number of them to have their monthly benefits adjusted to €603.40, provided that the adjustment is made in the future and does not involve any arrears. INPS, in fact, emphasized that a decision in favor of the pensioners (which ultimately did occur) would have imposed a substantial and abrupt burden on public finances, primarily due to the recovery of arrears. Consequently, the Constitutional Court determined that the ruling would be effective the day after it was published in the Official Journal. Disability benefits are granted to employees who meet two criteria: payment of contributions for a minimum of five years and recognition of a "permanently reduced working capacity, due to physical or mental infirmity or defect, of less than one-third".