The arrival of Christmas brings with it news awaited by thousands of retirees in Spain. As the end of November approaches, Social security is preparing to make the payment of the additional Christmas pay which, although it should be received in early December, all banks are advancing it to a payment which will be executed in November. So, The day for collecting additional Christmas payments from pensioners is approachingadditional income which supplements the monthly pension.
However, what not everyone knows is that some retirees will receive two extra Christmas paymentswhich represents significant economic relief on these important dates. This measure It particularly benefits contributing retireeswhich are the most common in the Spanish system. These pensions include two extraordinary payments per year, paid in June and November. Despite this, there is a specific group of retirees who will be able to benefit a second additional income, thanks to a specific supplement aimed at reducing the gender pension gap. In this way, Social Security not only strengthens its commitment to retirees, but also highlights the importance of complementary supplements for the economic well-being of older people.
Pensioners who will receive two additional Christmas payments
In the Spanish system, the contributory pensions pensions are distributed into 14 payments per year: 12 corresponding to the usual monthly payments and two additional payments, known as extraordinary payments. These payments are traditionally made in June and November, coinciding with times of year when spending typically increases, such as the holidays and Christmas festivities.
The amount of each extraordinary payment is equivalent to that of a normal monthly payment. For example, if a retiree usually receives 1,150 euros per month as a pension, this same amount will be reflected in the additional payments. This system offers additional financial support at key times, thus strengthening the financial security of retirees.
It is important to note that not all contributory pensions include these two additional annual payments. THE pensions derived from work accidents or occupational diseasesfor example, are structured in 12 payments per yearsince the extraordinary payments are distributed pro rata in each monthly payment.
On the other hand, and although extraordinary payments are common for most retirees, some have the opportunity to receive an extra extra payment at Christmas. This happens in the case of retirees who benefit from the supplement to reduce the gender gap. This benefit is granted to people who, due to the birth or adoption of children, have seen their professional career affected and, consequently, their contribution base.
The amount of this supplement depends on the number of children and can be combined depending on the conditions met:
- For those who have a child: 30 euros per monthwhich represents 420 euros per year.
- With two children: 60 euros per monthreaching 840 euros annually.
- With three children: 90 euros per monthor the equivalent of 1,260 euros per year.
- For those who have four or more children: 120 euros per monthreaching 1,680 euros annually.
According to recent data, more than 860,000 pensions are supplemented by this aidof which almost 90% correspond to women. This demonstrates the impact of this measure, which aims to reduce economic inequalities and guarantee greater well-being to retirees who have encountered difficulties in their contributions due to family responsibilities.
When is the Christmas surcharge paid?
Payment of pensions and extraordinary payments generally takes place in the first days of December. However, Most banks advance payment just as they did during the pandemic and have maintained it ever since. This advancement not only benefits retirees, but also strengthens the relationship between financial institutions and their elderly customers.
In the case of this year’s extra Christmas pay,Payment dates confirmed by some banks are as follows:
- Interbank: November 21.
- Santander: November 22.
- CaixaBank: November 24.
- BBVA: November 25.
- Unicaja, Sabadell, Abanca, ING and Ibercaja: November 25.
- EVO Bank: November 27.
- Pibank: December 2.
It should be noted that these dates may vary slightly if they coincide with public holidays or weekends (for example Caixabank since the 24th is Sunday), although the entities usually prioritize the punctuality of these payments, so it is possible that instead of us making wait until Monday, they drop it off on Friday.
The importance of additional payments for retirees
The extra payments represent a significant relief for retirees, particularly during peak periods like Christmas. This additional income allows them face the expenses linked to the festivities more calmlysuch as gifts, family dinners or trips to meet relatives.
In the case of retirees who also benefit from gender gap supplementthese two extraordinary payments represent an even greater income, help bridge economic gaps that may exist for professional or family reasons.
With these measures, Social Security reaffirms its commitment to guarantee a fairer retirement system and adapted to the real needs of retirees, making the Christmas period a time of celebration and economic stability.
