In Spain, pensioners are set to receive a pleasant surprise this April as many will see an increase in their monthly pensions, thanks to a recently revalued supplement. This increase, which in many cases exceeds 140 euros more per month, is attributed to a measure designed to reduce the gender gap in pensions, compensating those whose work lives were affected by having children.
The new supplement is part of a broader effort to address long-standing inequalities in the pension system, particularly for women who have historically faced challenges in maintaining their careers due to family responsibilities. In fact, nearly 90% of the beneficiaries of this supplement are women, highlighting its significance in promoting gender equity in pensions.
As of April 2025, the complement aimed at reducing the gender gap has increased by 8.1%. The amounts vary based on the number of children a recipient has, with payments structured as follows: 35.90 euros per month for one child (502.6 euros annually), 71.80 euros for two children (1,005.2 euros annually), 107.70 euros for three children (1,507.8 euros annually), and 143.60 euros for four or more children (2,010.4 euros annually). This means that those with four children can expect more than 2,000 euros a year added to their pension, significantly impacting their financial well-being.
Currently, almost one million pensions in Spain include this complement, and its distribution reveals that 25% of beneficiaries have one child, 47.1% have two, 18.3% have three, and 9.5% have four children. This month will be particularly beneficial for the 9.5% of recipients with four children, as the increase represents a substantial boost to their monthly income.
However, it is important to note that the supplement must be actively requested through the Seguridad Social. If both parents qualify, only one can receive the payment, and timing is crucial; if the application is resolved within the first six months, payments begin the following month. If not, benefits start from the seventh month, underscoring the need for timely applications.
In addition to the increase from the gender gap supplement, pensioners will also benefit from an overall rise in pensions this year. Contributory pensions have increased by 2.8%, while non-contributory pensions have seen a 9% increase. Minimum pensions have been revalued by 6%, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring that pensioners can cope with rising living costs.
The Seguridad Social is mandated to pay pensions at the beginning of each month, ensuring that funds are available to recipients by the fourth calendar day. For April, payment dates vary by bank, with Bankinter expected to process payments on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, while CaixaBank, Unicaja, and Banco Santander will pay on Thursday, April 24, 2025. BBVA and ING are scheduled to issue payments on Friday, April 25, 2025.
This timely payment is particularly crucial as many pensioners face increased expenses during the Easter holidays, a time often associated with travel and family gatherings. With the additional funds from the revalued supplement, pensioners can better manage their finances during this busy period.
In summary, the combination of the new gender gap supplement and the overall increase in pension amounts presents a positive outlook for pensioners in Spain this April. As the government continues to address disparities in the pension system, many will benefit from the enhanced financial support, allowing them to enjoy a more secure and comfortable retirement.
