Spanish caregivers gain access to non-contributory pensions
Good news for Spanish women who dedicated decades to caring for their families. After years of being overlooked, homemakers and caregivers can now qualify for non-contributory pensions upon reaching retirement age.
Spain recognizes informal care work
Until recently, the work of homemakers and caregivers didn't receive formal recognition from the Spanish Social Security system, as it didn't generate contributions. However, these individuals, often women, were still working tirelessly in household chores and child/family care. As a result, many women and men who spent a significant portion of their lives, or their entire lives, on these duties, couldn't access a pension when they turned 65, as they couldn't prove they'd been carrying out paid work.
This is no longer the case. All workers who delay retirement to accumulate more contributions will receive a 4% pension increase for each year.
What is a non-contributory pension?
Non-contributory pensions (PNC) are state-financed economic benefits for those who haven't contributed enough to the Social Security system to receive a contributory pension but lack sufficient income to live with dignity. Their goal is to guarantee a minimum income, healthcare, and access to complementary social services. Within these non-contributory pensions, you can find the non-contributory pension for retirement, aimed at people over 65 without sufficient contributions, and the non-contributory pension for disability.
In the case of homemakers, they would fall under the first group, considered people who dedicated their lives to household work and haven't accumulated enough years of contributions to qualify for a standard pension, but need a minimum income when they retire.
The domestic and care work, although unpaid, has undeniable social value and, historically, has left those performing it without coverage upon turning 65. That's why it's now allowed to access this benefit for this group.
Requirements for non-contributory pension in 2026
To qualify for the non-contributory pension, homemakers must:
• Be at least 65 years old when applying;
• Have legal residence in Spain for at least 10 years, with at least 2 consecutive and immediate years prior to the application;
• Demonstrate having insufficient income. As of 2025, the individual threshold stands at €7,905.80 per year for single individuals. For those living with other family members, the income of the entire household unit is considered, and it must not exceed certain limits to qualify for the pension. For 2026, with pension increases, this figure will be €8,803.20.
This non-contributory pension for retirement cannot be combined with a contributory pension, so only those without a right to a contributory pension can apply.
Pension amount in 2026
Homemakers meeting the above requirements will be eligible for a non-contributory pension. In 2026, the annual amount is €8,803.20, which breaks down into €628.80 per month, distributed over 14 payments.
To apply, gather the necessary documentation, including ID/NIE, residency certificate, and any documents verifying income and assets. Fill out the official application form, which can be submitted online through the relevant regional authority's electronic platform or in person at regional offices or the IMSERSO. In Ceuta and Melilla, the sole submission method is through IMSERSO. After submitting a complete application with required documents, the authorities have a timeframe to resolve and notify the pension grant or denial, typically within several months (up to 6 months), during which the household's economic unit may be reviewed to verify the accuracy of provided data.