One of the great dilemmas that currently exists in Spain revolves around pensions, an issue that has several aspects and among the most worrying aspects are the sustainability of the model, about which economists such as Gonzalo Bernardos have spoken, or whether they are sufficient, especially in those of early retirements of people with more than 40 years of contributions that have been penalized and about which many retirees are already complaining.
But there is still another issue, related to pensions, that generates doubts among Spaniards and that is whether it is possible to collect a pension without ever having contributed. For those who are approaching retirement age, this information is even more important, taking into account that it is the way to guarantee a minimum income, replacing (within the distance) the salary. In Social Security data for the year 2025, the established amount is 564 euros per month distributed over 14 payments.
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In response to this dilemma, Rubén de Gracia, economist and CEO of Elitelia, has clarified that “in Spain, if you have not contributed a single day or worked officially, you can collect a contributory pension of 564 euros per month.” In an interview with Semana Magazine, the financial expert makes it clear that it is a benefit intended for those who do not meet the requirements of an ordinary contributory pension, but who meet the residence and income conditions.
How to collect a pension without having contributed enough
The economist explains that non-contributory pensions are divided into two types: retirement pensions, intended for those who are 65 years old or older and have not reached the minimum contribution period, and disability pensions, aimed at people between 18 and 65 years old who have a disability equal to or greater than 65% and have few resources. “Both work in a similar way: they are granted when the legal minimums to obtain a contributory pension are not reached, and they depend not so much on work history or years of contributions, but on current income and residence in Spain,” he points out.
To access the retirement pension, it is necessary to have lived in Spain for at least 10 years since the age of 16, with two of them consecutive and immediately prior to the application. In the case of the disability pension, it is required to prove a minimum of 5 years of residence (two of them consecutive), in addition to justifying the disability. In both cases, the established income limit is 7,905.80 euros per year, although it can be modified depending on the members of the family unit.
Amounts and other benefits
The specialist clarifies that the amount to be received depends on the number of people who live in the same home: “If two people who collect it live in the same house, each one receives about 480 euros per month. And if three beneficiaries live together, the amount drops to about 451 euros per month per person. There is also a guaranteed minimum: you can collect a reduced pension, but it will never be less than 141 euros per month.”
Likewise, Social Security offers other pensions, such as widow’s, orphan’s, or family pensions, which provide financial support after the death of a worker or pensioner. As De Gracia highlights, all this aid is “rights recognized by law, not favors.”