Social Security contemplates financial aid for certain children over 45 years old who dedicated part of their lives to caring for their parents and were economically dependent on them. This is the pension in favor of relatives, a benefit that can become financial support after the death of the parent.
In some cases, caring for a father or mother for years can lead to reducing working hours, leaving employment, or giving up other professional opportunities. When death occurs, those who were economically dependent on that person may be left without a source of income. For these situations, this benefit exists, included in the General Social Security Law.
However, having cared for parents and being over 45 years old does not guarantee access to the pension. The applicant must prove that they meet the conditions required by the regulations, both in relation to their personal situation and to cohabitation and economic dependence on the deceased relative.
What requirements must be met to receive the pension?
To access this benefit, children over 45 years old must meet a series of conditions. Among them is having dedicated a prolonged time to caring for the parent and demonstrating that they lived with them and were economically dependent on their income for at least the two years prior to their death.
In addition, they must be single, divorced, legally separated, or widowed, as well as lacking sufficient means of subsistence. Social Security also verifies that the requirements related to the deceased's situation and their contribution history are met, when applicable.
Therefore, it is not enough to have lived with parents or to have helped them during their last years of life. It is necessary to prove the circumstances required to obtain the benefit and submit the corresponding documentation to Social Security.
The amount of the pension depends on the deceased's regulatory base
The amount that can be collected is not the same for all beneficiaries. In general, the pension in favor of relatives is equivalent to 20% of the deceased parent's regulatory base, a figure that is calculated following Social Security rules and depends on their situation.
In certain circumstances, the amount may increase if there is no surviving spouse or children entitled to the corresponding widow's or orphan's benefits. In these cases, the conditions and limits established by the regulations apply. Payment is made monthly and, as a general rule, includes two extra payments per year, in June and November. The final amount will depend on the circumstances of the deceased and the existence of other beneficiaries entitled to benefits.
The benefit can be maintained as long as the legal conditions are met
The pension in favor of family members is not a temporary aid granted for a fixed period. It can be maintained throughout the beneficiary's life if the legal conditions are met, although the right may be extinguished for certain reasons, such as marriage in the cases provided for by the regulations.
The application can be processed through the National Social Security Institute (INSS), through its electronic channels or in its offices by appointment. The interested person must provide the necessary documentation to prove the family relationship, cohabitation, economic dependence and compliance with the other requirements.
Although this benefit remains little known, it can be important for those who dedicated years to caring for their parents and were left in a vulnerable economic situation after their death. Before applying for it, it is advisable to consult the official conditions to check if you are entitled to receive it.
