In a striking case that has garnered significant attention in southern Spain, a retiree from Catalonia is now facing the daunting task of repaying €32,857 to the Social Security system, following an extensive 680-day stay abroad. This situation arises from a combination of miscalculations and her prolonged travels in Morocco, ultimately resulting in a substantial financial burden.
From 2018 to 2021, this individual received non-contributory disability benefits, amounting to €604.20 per month, with an additional supplement ranging between €36 to €37. However, the receipt of such benefits is contingent upon specific residency requirements, which dictate that beneficiaries must reside in Spain and cannot be absent for more than 90 days within a year without valid justification. Unfortunately, these stipulations were overlooked during her extended absence.
During the specified period, the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to unprecedented travel restrictions. In her defense, the retiree claimed that these health-related constraints prevented her from returning to Spain in a timely manner, thus justifying her extended stay in Morocco. Nevertheless, the Catalan High Court did not accept her argument, ruling that the pandemic did not sufficiently explain such a prolonged absence. Furthermore, the Social Security administration had not been informed of her situation, which is a critical requirement that was not waived due to the pandemic. Consequently, the Social Security system deemed that she had failed to meet the necessary obligations.
In addition to the residency issue, there was another significant factor that led to the decision by the Social Security administration. The retiree's household income significantly exceeded the threshold required to qualify for the non-contributory disability pension. In 2021, her total income reached €73,291.08, while this aid is specifically designed for individuals with limited financial resources. Since 2013, she had been receiving approximately €604.20 monthly, supplemented by a modest Moroccan pension of €96.68. Upon reviewing her case, the administration concluded that she no longer met the eligibility criteria for this support, which is intended to ensure a minimum income for those who have not contributed sufficiently to earn a standard pension.
As a result of these discrepancies, the Spanish Social Security system made the decision to retroactively cancel her pension starting from June 2018, demanding the repayment of €32,857, which corresponds to the benefits she received while not fulfilling the eligibility requirements. Additionally, she now faces the loss of this pension altogether.
As reported by nextplz.fr.
