Currently, workers who turn 66 years and 4 months can now request retirement. They will receive the contributory benefit as long as they have contributed a minimum of 15 years to Social Security – two of them in the last 15 years. And those who have been contributing for more than 37 years can retire at the age of 65. Once the pension is recognized, it is maintained until the person’s death, although if he or she moves abroad he or she must comply with certain procedures periodically.
In any case, they will receive a pension whose import depends on the regulatory base – based on the contribution bases – and the general percentage that corresponds depending on the years of contributions – from the age of 36 and a half, 100 is applied. % of the regulatory base.
In addition, an additional percentage may also be added for the extension of working life if retirement is accessed at an age higher than the ordinary age in force at any given time. Or a corresponding reduction coefficient will be applied if early retirement is accessed. Whatever the corresponding import, Social Security allows it to be collected through different payment methods.
Until the death of the beneficiary
Once the pension is recognized, it is maintained until the death of the pensioner – the only reason for termination. In this sense, Social Security explains that beneficiaries of a pension from the Social Security system will continue to receive their benefit normally without the need to present any documentation to the entity managing their pension, normally the National Social Security Institute ( INSS).
However, there is a circumstance that pension beneficiaries will have to notify: transfer abroad. Pensioners who reside abroad must present original proof of experience to maintain the benefit. They must do so every year within the first calendar quarter. Specifically, a proof of life document must be presented every year before March 31 and sent to the INSS Provincial Directorate that manages your pension.
What is the life certificate and how to request the certificate
This certificate of life can be obtained through a notarial certificate of presence or by comparing it with those in charge of the Consular Civil Registries, who are the competent authorities in this matter. The Ministries or Sections of Labor, Immigration and Social Security of the place where you reside can also issue certifications of appearance in their office, thus also proving the experience.
In addition, the possibility of appearing by videoconference before these Ministries or sections of Labor, Migration and Social Security of the place where the pensioner resides is contemplated, in order to avoid displacement of the interested parties.
What to do in case of death?
Any pensioner must, among other obligations, notify Social Security of any change in their personal, family or economic situation. This includes the death of the pensioner, whose obligation to notify will fall on the family members.
Social Security warns that “the omission of the obligation to communicate may be grounds for infringement.” Specifically, it must be reported within 30 days after the death at any of the Social Security Care and Information Centers (CAISS) of the National Social Security Institute of the national network. It will only be necessary to provide the pensioner’s death certificate.
If the pensioner resides abroad, the death must be notified to the Provincial Directorate of the INSS that manages their pension, or failing that, to the Labor Department of the Spanish Embassy in the place of residence. Despite notifying the death of the pensioner, it is necessary to keep an eye on the payments obtained and check that they are not improper, since, in that case, Social Security may demand the return payment.
