If a child living in Spain loses one or both of their parents, they may qualify for a ‘pensión de orfandad’ (orphan’s pension) if they meet certain requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
Orphan’s pension or pensión de orfandad in Spanish is a type of financial benefit given to descendants of those who have died. It’s not actually a like a pension that someone receives when they retire, it’s kind of like financial compensation.
Essentially it protects children financially when one or both of their parents have passed away. It is typically paid out monthly and is awarded to the child regardless of whether the other parent is still alive or not.
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What are the requirements?
In order to receive it though they must meet certain requirements. They must be under 21 years of age or have a certain type of disability if they’re older.
Children aged between 21 and 25 years of age who are not working or are earning less than the minimum wage are also entitled to receive this benefit.
The benefit ends when they turn 25 and are earning above this amount or in the case that they’re adopted into a new family.
Children belonging to the deceased’s spouse may also be entitled to the benefit provided the marriage took place at least two years before they died and specific requirements are met.
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What are the requirements for the deceased?
There are also certain conditions that the deceased must have met while they were alive in order for their child to be paid this benefit.
- If the death was due to a common illness then they must have contributed to social security for at least 15 years.
- If the death is due to an accident the benefit must be processed through the corresponding mutual insurance company.
- If it was caused by an occupational disease then no minimum social security contribution is required.
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How much is the benefit?
The amount of an orphan’s pension depends on the social security contributions the deceased made during their lifetime and the age of the beneficiary.
It is calculated by applying a certain percentage to the regulatory base. Generally, the pension is equivalent to 20 percent of the regulatory base for each child.
It is paid monthly instalments 14 times per year like salaries are in Spain. It is adjusted at the beginning of each year due to the Consumer Price Index. In 2026 for example the orphan’s pension increased by 2.7 percent.
In 2026 a new measure has been added to this benefit in the case of violence against women, it will a rise to 3.1 percent compared to 2025.
If the cause of death was due to an accident at work or an occupational disease then there is also a special extra compensation.
