Spanish Retiree's Extended Stay Abroad Leads to Significant Financial Consequences
A retiree from Catalonia is facing a daunting financial obligation of €32,857 to the Spanish Social Security system after spending over 680 days abroad, primarily in Morocco. This situation has arisen due to a combination of receiving various types of income, including a non-contributory disability pension and her salary, alongside miscalculations and prolonged absence from her home country.
The individual in question received a monthly pension of **€604.20**, supplemented by an additional **€36 to €37**. However, non-contributory pensions come with strict residence requirements, mandating that recipients must not be absent from Spain for more than 90 days a year without valid justification. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated her circumstances, as she argued that health restrictions impeded her return to Spain within the stipulated timeframe, thus necessitating her extended stay in Morocco.
Despite her claims, the Catalan High Court of Justice rejected her arguments, determining that the pandemic did not adequately justify such a prolonged absence. Furthermore, the court noted that the Social Security administration had not been notified of her situation, which was a requirement even during the pandemic. Consequently, the Social Security deemed that she had failed to meet the necessary conditions for her pension.
Financial Irregularities Lead to Pension Overhaul
In addition to her extended stay abroad, the retiree's household income was found to be significantly above the threshold allowed for receiving this type of pension. In 2021, her total household income peaked at **€73,291.08**, disqualifying her from the assistance which is intended for individuals with limited financial resources. The pension had been granted since 2013, providing her with approximately **€604.20 per month**, alongside a small Moroccan pension of **€96.68**. Upon reviewing her financial situation, the authorities concluded that she no longer met the eligibility criteria for this assistance, which is designed to secure a minimum income for those who have not contributed enough to qualify for a standard pension.
In light of these discrepancies, the Spanish Social Security decided to retroactively terminate her pension beginning in June 2018 and has demanded the repayment of **€32,857**, corresponding to the assistance she received while not complying with the necessary conditions. Furthermore, as a result of this ruling, she will also lose her entitlement to the pension altogether.
As reported by nextplz.fr.
