Understanding the Consequences of Extended Absences Abroad on Non-Contributory Pensions
Living outside of Spain for extended periods while receiving a non-contributory pension can lead to significant complications. Such pensions are designed to provide a minimum income for individuals who have not been able to qualify for contributory pensions due to insufficient years of contributions. One of the primary conditions for receiving this type of assistance is the requirement to reside in Spain for the majority of the year. Additionally, the recipient must demonstrate that their income is below a specified threshold, which varies depending on whether it is an individual or a household with multiple members.
In a notable case that has garnered judicial attention, a woman receiving a non-contributory disability pension found herself in trouble with the Social Security authorities after her prolonged absences. She began receiving her pension in 2013, amounting to €604.20 monthly, along with a small supplement of €36 to €37. Moreover, she was also receiving an additional pension from Morocco of €96.68 per month. For several years, the authorities continued to grant her benefits until it was discovered that her time spent outside of Spain exceeded the permissible limits. Specifically, between 2018 and 2020, she was absent for a total of 680 days, which prompted the Social Security system to act.
As a result of her extended absence, the Catalonia High Court ruled that her justification for being abroad—citing pandemic-related travel restrictions—was insufficient to excuse her prolonged stay outside Spain. Consequently, the court ordered her to repay a total of €32,857 to the Social Security authorities, effectively terminating her pension benefits. This case highlights the stringent regulations surrounding non-contributory pensions and the importance of adhering to residency requirements to avoid financial repercussions.
As reported by as.com.
