2025 Guide to contributory and non-contributory pensions: key features, amounts, and eligibility

Oct 26, 2025 | Actualidad, Current affairs, Featured, Interview, Portada, Post, Revista Lloseta, Thursday Daily Bulletin, Tradition

In 2025, contributory pensions have increased by 2.8%, while non-contributory pensions have risen by 9%, reaffirming the commitment to protect pensioners’ purchasing power and support the most vulnerable.

Contributory pensions are financial benefits linked to contributions to the Social Security system. Their amount depends on the number of years contributed and the worker’s contribution base. They include retirement, permanent disability, widowhood, orphanhood, and family benefits.

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2025 Guide to contributory and non-contributory pensions: key features, amounts, and eligibility

  • In 2025, the average pension stands at €1,314 per month, with the average retirement pension reaching €1,508.7 and the widow’s pension €936.3.
  • To qualify, a worker must have contributed for at least 15 years, two of which must fall within the 15 years immediately before applying.

Non-contributory pensions are intended for people without sufficient income, even if they have never contributed to Social Security or have not met the minimum requirements. They can be for retirement or disability, and in 2025 the annual amount is €7,905.80 (€568.70 per month, paid in 14 instalments).

  • The non-contributory retirement pension requires the applicant to be 65 or older, have legally resided in Spain for 10 years (two consecutive before applying), and not exceed the income threshold.
  • The non-contributory disability pension applies to individuals aged 18 to 65, who have lived in Spain for five years (the last two consecutively) and have a disability of at least 65%.

These two types of pensions cannot be received simultaneously, though the widow’s pension may be compatible in certain cases. Additionally, doctors and pediatricians in the public healthcare system may continue working while receiving up to 75% of their retirement pension, a measure aimed at strengthening primary healthcare.

Together, these measures reflect a strong social protection model, ensuring financial stability and dignity for millions of pensioners and individuals with limited resources across Spain.