HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia politicians will have to serve two years instead of five to become eligible for a pension after a panel that examined how members are compensated recommended the change.

The three-member panel says the change is to align pension plans for politicians with those for civil servants.

The changes called for by the panel released today are binding because of legislation passed last fall that said the recommendations will be law.

Members seeking to collect a monthly accommodation allowance of $1,499 will also have to live a minimum of 100 kilometres from the legislature instead of 40 kilometres.

Housing allowances became an issue last year after the province's auditor general said the 40-kilometre limit should be increased, calling it outdated.

The panel did not recommend any changes to member salaries.

The changes are retroactive to Nov. 1, 2013.