Spanish supreme court rules both parents can claim maternity pension bonus

A landmark decision by Spain's Supreme Court has declared that both parents can claim a maternity pension bonus simultaneously, as long as they meet the necessary requirements.

Supreme court ruling opens door for more fathers to reclaim maternity bonus

The court's ruling affects pensions recognized between January 1, 2016, and February 3, 2021, the period when the maternity bonus was in force before being replaced by the current gender gap reduction pension. The judgment confirms that the fact that one parent is already receiving the bonus does not prevent the other from applying if they also meet the legal conditions.

This decision further strengthens the right of thousands of retired public officials to claim this supplementary pension, even if the other parent is already receiving it. The ruling aligns with the European Union's equal pay principle and follows other court judgments that have gradually expanded access to this bonus for men.

In practical terms, the Supreme Court's verdict may trigger new claims from fathers whose pensions were recognized during the time the old maternity bonus was in place.