In Spain, housewives who have not contributed to Social Security can access a monthly financial aid of up to 500 euros. This is known as the non-contributory retirement pension, aimed at those who lack the right to a contributory pension. Managed by the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (IMSERSO) and the autonomous communities, this support is particularly designed for women who have dedicated their lives to household duties without formal employment. Many of these women, upon reaching retirement age, find themselves without sufficient income.
For the year 2025, the maximum amount of this pension can reach 564.70 euros per month, distributed in 14 payments, totaling 7,905.80 euros annually. To qualify for this pension, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be at least 65 years old. Additionally, they need to have lived in Spain for a minimum of 10 years, with at least 2 consecutive years immediately preceding the application. The income threshold is also a crucial factor; in 2025, individual annual income should not exceed 7,905.80 euros. If living with family members, the income limits increase: for two cohabitants, the cap is 12,326.02 euros; for three, it is 17,401.44 euros; and for four, it is 22,476.86 euros. If living with parents or children, the limits are higher: 30,815.05 euros for two, 43,503.60 euros for three, and 56,192.15 euros for four. Importantly, applicants must not receive any other contributory pension.
The application process for this pension is straightforward. Individuals can download the application form from the IMSERSO website or request it from social services. After filling it out and gathering the necessary documentation—such as identification, proof of residence, income statements, and asset declarations—they can submit the application either in person at social services offices or online, if available. The resolution of the application may take several months, depending on the autonomous community, but payments are retroactive from the month following the application.
Moreover, recipients of this pension are required to submit an annual income declaration, with the deadline ending on March 31 each year. Failure to submit this declaration on time may result in temporary suspension of the aid. However, if submitted within the following 90 days, it is possible to recover any missed payments. This financial aid can be crucial for many women who have spent their lives in domestic roles.
In addition to this pension, there are other significant changes in Spain's retirement system. As of 2025, workers can retire at 65 years old if they have accrued a contribution of 38 years and 3 months or more. If not, they will need to wait until they are 66 years and 8 months old. Those born in 1970 will have to wait until 2035 to retire at 65, provided they have contributed for 38 years and 6 months or more. If they fall short, retirement will be delayed until they reach 67 years, extending their working life until 2037.
For many individuals, particularly students and young professionals, the path to retirement has been complicated by the lack of formal employment opportunities. Many began their careers with unpaid internships or scholarships, which did not contribute to their Social Security. In response, the Spanish government has introduced a new special agreement that allows individuals to recover up to 5 additional years of contributions for periods of unpaid internships or scholarships completed before 2011. This initiative, effective since August 2024, represents a unique opportunity for those looking to enhance their retirement prospects.
If eligible, individuals can add up to 1,825 days of contributions to their work history, significantly impacting their future pension. This agreement applies to those who completed unpaid internships or participated in research programs before November 1, 2011, including university students, researchers, and professionals in training, both in Spain and abroad. This measure acknowledges the efforts of those who, during their formative years, did not have the chance to contribute to Social Security.
Furthermore, in Spain, the Social Security system currently protects certain medical conditions, with the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI) advocating for the expansion of this list. The ordinary retirement age in 2025 is set at 66 years and 9 months, or at 65 years for those who have contributed at least 38 years. Thanks to Royal Decree 370/2023, early retirement due to disability is possible, aiming to compensate for the disadvantages faced by those unable to perform on equal terms.
To qualify for early retirement, individuals must have a recognized disability degree of 45% or higher, have contributed at least 15 years, and be registered with Social Security. For those aged 52, early retirement is available with a disability degree of 65% or higher. If their degree is between 45% and 65%, they must wait until they are 52 years old to retire.
CERMI has proposed expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions for early retirement, including rheumatoid arthritis, myalgic encephalomyelitis, amyloidosis by Transtiretina variant (ATTRv), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert), spina bifida, fibromyalgia, primary immunodeficiencies, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. If approved by the government, these individuals could retire early due to disability at ages 52 or 56.
In summary, the non-contributory retirement pension and the new measures regarding contributions for unpaid internships and early retirement due to disability reflect Spain's ongoing efforts to adapt its social security system to better support those who have historically faced challenges in securing their financial futures. As these policies evolve, they aim to provide essential support to vulnerable populations, particularly women who have dedicated their lives to domestic roles, as well as individuals with disabilities.
