As of \u00a0January 1, 2026\u00a0, significant changes are set to be implemented in the Social Security system regarding the calculation of retirement pensions. These changes are primarily aimed at improving conditions for individuals who have paused their contributions to care for their children. The new regulations specifically address the \u00a0disparities\u00a0 faced by individuals, especially women, who often experience a decrease in their pension amounts due to caregiving responsibilities.<\/p>\n
The \u00a0Intergenerational Solidarity Observatory\u00a0 estimates that retired women receive an average of \u00a018% less\u00a0 in pensions than their male counterparts. This disparity is largely attributed to the interruptions in their professional careers caused by raising children. The forthcoming changes are expected to mitigate the negative impact of these caregiving roles on retirement calculations.<\/p>\n
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The reform is encapsulated in the Royal Decree-Law 2\/2023<\/a>, which introduces measures to compensate for periods of non-contribution in calculating retirement pension bases. This will benefit both \u00a0fathers and mothers\u00a0 who have experienced interruptions in their careers due to childcare. The primary focus of the reform is to ensure that periods spent caregiving do not heavily penalize individuals when they retire.<\/p>\n Integration of Contribution Gaps<\/strong>. Under the new regulations, Social Security will have the ability to “fill” the months when a person has not made contributions by substituting those periods with a minimum contribution base. Currently, this base is set at \u00a01,323 euros per month\u00a0. The aim here is to ensure that these non-contributory periods do not severely impact an individual’s retirement or disability pension.<\/p>\n To compute pensions, the contribution bases of the last \u00a025 years\u00a0 are considered. Should there be months without contributions, these can be replaced by the minimum contribution base. However, this compensation applies fully for a maximum of \u00a048 months\u00a0, specifically in cases where parental care can be documented. For additional months beyond this, only \u00a050%\u00a0 of the minimum base will be considered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maternity Penalizes Women More<\/strong>. Studies conducted by the INE<\/a> indicate that women aged 25 to 49 with children under 12 have \u00a0lower employment rates\u00a0 compared to their peers without children. The newly established formula for compensating contribution gaps may allow affected women to claim up to \u00a060 months\u00a0 at the full rate, plus an additional \u00a024 months\u00a0 at \u00a080%\u00a0 for periods related to maternity or caregiving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Impact on Women’s Pensions<\/h2>\n