With the Cortes Generales dissolved by the elections on November 29, the Government is preparing a new package of social measures that must overcome an exceptional parliamentary procedure. The Council of Ministers is scheduled to approve this Tuesday a royal decree-law with improvements in different benefits of the Social Security, from widow's pensions to aid for families with seriously ill minors.
The dissolution of Congress prevents the norm from following the usual validation procedure in the plenary session of the Chamber. Therefore, it will be the Permanent Deputation of Congress in charge of ruling on the decree within a maximum period of 30 days from its publication.
The text, prepared by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, also contemplates changes in the medical leave of women with diseases related to menopause, reinforces the economic protection of victims of gender violence and extends certain benefits for minors in vulnerable situations.
Changes in widow's pensions for de facto couples
One of the main novelties affects de facto couples with common children. The Executive intends to facilitate access to the widow's pension by establishing that the existence of shared offspring is sufficient to prove the relationship for the purposes of this benefit.
The modification seeks to reduce the difficulties that some people may encounter in demonstrating that they maintained a stable union with their deceased partner.
In addition, the decree will open a 12-month period to review widow's pension applications that were rejected in the case of de facto couples. In this way, those who received an unfavorable resolution may request a new assessment of their situation in accordance with the conditions established by the norm.
More coverage for leave related to menopause and gender violence
The package also introduces improvements in the temporary incapacity of women suffering from pathologies associated with menopause. The intention is to extend economic protection during periods in which these diseases prevent them from carrying out their work activity.
Regarding victims of gender violence, the decree contemplates a benefit equivalent to 60% of the regulatory base until the twentieth day of leave, a percentage that will increase to 75% from that moment.
The company will assume the salary corresponding to the first day, while Social Security will be responsible for the benefit from the following day.
New facilities for families with seriously ill children
Another of the modifications is aimed at parents who need to reduce their work activity to care for children with cancer or other serious illnesses.
The benefit will be adapted to allow both parents to benefit from it alternatively or simultaneously, a possibility that aims to facilitate the distribution of care within families.
Coverage will also be extended in certain cases of special vulnerability. When the affected person has a recognized grade III dependency or a particularly high disability, the aid may be maintained even after reaching 26 years of age.
Pensions for terrorism and aid to orphans will also increase
The decree includes a review of extraordinary pensions derived from terrorist acts. According to the planned measures, none of these benefits may fall below the equivalent of two interprofessional minimum wages.
The reference amount included in the proposal is 2,442 euros per month, which would represent a 36% increase compared to the previous minimum.
The protection of orphans due to gender violence will also be strengthened. In contributory benefits, a minimum equivalent to double the minimum wage will be established, while non-contributory aid may also reach that amount.
Finally, the Government proposes to expand the Food Payment Guarantee Fund, aimed at protecting minors when one of their parents fails to comply with their economic obligations.
The maximum amount of advances will increase from 100 to 300 euros per beneficiary, which means tripling the current amount. The time during which this aid can be received will also be extended.
With these modifications, the Executive seeks to reinforce the coverage of several groups facing situations of special economic or family difficulty. However, although the decree enters into force after its publication in the Official State Gazette, its continuity will depend on the validation of the Permanent Deputation, which must rule within the established legal period.
