The article is a reflection on the articles by D.V. Agashev, "The Concept of Pension as a Social Security Benefit: A Systemic and Structural Analysis," and I.R. Mamatkazin, "On the Legal Nature of Insurance Pensions," published in this issue of the journal "Social and Pension Law." The author engages in a debate with these legal scholars and identifies the key characteristics that distinguish pensions from other types of social security benefits.