On July 20, 2018, Royal Decree 900/2018 was published, amending the additional thirtieth provision of Law 27/2011, of August 1, on the updating, adaptation and modernization of the Social Security system in terms of pensions regarding widowhood.
An increase in the percentages of the base salary with which widow’s pensions are calculated is incorporated. The improvements foreseen in the amounts of these pensions will take place in two phases:
Phase 1. With effect from August 1, 2018, the percentage of the base salary will increase from the current 52% to 56%.
Phase 2. With effect from January 1, 2019, the increase will reach up to 60% of the base salary.
This percentage increase will be applied in cases in which the individual with rights to the widow’s pension meets the following requirements:
a) Have reached an age equal to or more than 65 years.
b) Not have the right to another Spanish or foreign public pension.
c) Not receive income for doing work, either on their own account or on behalf of others.
d) Not have income from movable or real estate capital, capital gains or income from economic activities exceeding € 7,347.99 a year in the year 2018.
The increase in the percentage is an improvement to which an individual is entitled as long as all the requirements are met. The widow’s pension is then calculated at 52% of the base salary. An individual is not entitled to the pension if any one of the above four conditions a) – d) is not met.
Improvements in the amounts of widow’s pensions will be applied to those who are widow’s pensioners as of August 1, 2018 and fulfil the requirements indicated above.
As for widow’s pensions as of after August 1, 2018, the improvement will be applied upon request of the interested party and the accreditation of the required conditions.
Consequently, we are at your disposal to inform you of the details on this particular matter, and, where appropriate, to check or manage the increase of percentages in the base salary of your pension.
