Tribunal SupremoSTS 1380/2021, de 25 de noviembre — aplica la STJUE C-450/18; complementos reconocidos entre el 1/1/2016 y el 3/2/2021
Supreme Court confirms men are also entitled to the pension supplement, including Civil Service (Clases Pasivas) pensions
The maternity supplement that Law 48/2015 introduced into pensions (art. 60 LGSS and, in parallel, the Civil Service Pensions Act) was granted only to women, but the Court of Justice of the EU (12/12/2019, C-450/18) and the Supreme Court (judgment 1380/2021) held that denying it to a man in the same situation is sex discrimination. It affects retirement, permanent-disability and widowhood pensions granted between 1/1/2016 and 3/2/2021, with 2 or more children (5%, 10% or 15% depending on the number). Civil servants under Clases Pasivas (e.g. National Police) now apply to Social Security; if refused, they challenge it before the contentious-administrative courts. Note: back payments depend on limitation rules and the 1,800 euro compensation is case law of the social jurisdiction (INSS), not settled for Clases Pasivas.
Seguridad SocialCalendario de la fe de vida: en 2026, enero-marzo y septiembre; desde 2027, enero, mayo y septiembre — ventana de septiembre de 2026 abierta
Pensioners abroad: proof of life can now be done from your phone with the VIVESS app
Anyone receiving a Spanish pension from the INSS or the Social Marine Institute while living abroad must periodically provide proof of life. In 2026 it is due twice — between January and March, and in September — and from 2027 three times a year: January, May and September (the tax-residence accreditation keeps its frequency). The free VIVESS app (Android and Apple) lets you do it from anywhere in the world, without travelling, using biometric facial recognition: one-off registration with Cl@ve, DNI/NIE or the file number in the annual revaluation letter; immediate receipt and later confirmation from the INSS or ISM. Under «+Procedures» the app also lets you change the bank account for payment (the pensioner must be the holder; account in the country of residence or in Spain), amend the address, submit the tax residency certificate, download the IRPF certificate and, from 2026, complete the proof of life of the dependent spouse of pensioners on the minimum income supplement. Traditional routes remain valid: a proof of life from the Consular Civil Registry or the competent institution of the country of residence, sent to the Provincial Directorate, or appearing in person at the Regional Ministries of Labour, Migration and Social Security.
AutónomosRD-ley 16/2025 y Orden PJC/297/2026
Self-employed contributions 2026: 2025 table extended, only the MEI rises
Every January the headlines warn of a rise, but this year the 2025 table of brackets and bases is simply extended: the lowest bracket's minimum base stays at €653.59 and the ceiling at €5,101.20 a month. The only change is the MEI surcharge, up from 0.8% to 0.9% from 1 January — a tenth of a point, not a real jump. Estimate your 2026 quota with our free calculator.
Novedad normativaRD 416/2026 — en vigor 28 de agosto de 2026
Spain's flexible retirement rules take effect: you can draw a pension and keep working
On Friday 28 August, Royal Decree 416/2026 takes effect, regulating flexible retirement: you can combine your retirement pension with part-time work (33-80% of a full schedule) or self-employment. If you return to work after at least 6 months retired, the pension share you keep increases by 25% (55-80% working time) or 15% (33-55%). It's not a new benefit or automatic for everyone: the exact figure depends on your real contribution bases and is set by the INSS. Free pensions tool: https://www.santiagolegalconsulting.es/orientador-pensiones.html
BOE2026-08-17
Spain's new flexible retirement rules take effect on 28 August
On 28 August 2026, Royal Decree 416/2026 of 27 May comes into force, regulating Spain's new flexible retirement scheme. It allows pensioners to combine part of their retirement pension with part-time work (between 33% and 80% of a full working day) or self-employment, and provides pension increases of up to 25% for those who return to work after at least six months in retirement. The rules on deferred retirement supplements are also adjusted. If you already receive a Spanish pension or are close to retiring and want to keep working, it is worth reviewing how this affects you.
AvisoArt. 53 LGSS
Your filing date is money: back-payments are capped at 3 months
In Spanish Social Security benefits, filing late is expensive: economic effects go back at most 3 months from the application (art. 53 LGSS). And once filed, that date is worth defending — restarting a file carelessly can mean losing the arrears already accrued.
Convenios internacionalesSeguridad Social
Worked abroad? Those years count too
Spain has bilateral Social Security agreements (Canada, USA, UK, Latin American countries and more) plus the EU regulations: periods worked abroad are totalised towards pension entitlement. Coordination between institutions is where most files get stuck — and where properly filed, documented paperwork helps most.
