who can request it and how to do it

The traditional distribution of roles left many women out of the labor market. History has shown us that whileThe men contributed and generated social rights, A large part of women dedicated their lives to caring for the home, children and dependent relatives and such essential work was not recognized or paid. Now thousands of women have reached retirement age without the right to a contributory pension, subjecting them to a condition of vulnerability.

Although the employment landscape has changed and Today women participate in employment In almost equal conditions, the consequences of that way of living are still present. To respond to this reality, the Spanish public system incorporated an alternative years ago, the non-contributory retirement pension. This benefit is designed precisely for those who could not contribute enough, among them many housewives.

How to access the pension for housewives?

The non-contributory pension does not seek guarantee an economic minimum and the access to healthcare. It is a social protection network designed to prevent elderly people without resources from being left helpless. In 2026, the annual amount of this pension for housewives amounted to 8,803.20 euros, which translates into some 628.80 euros per month divided into 14 payments.

To access this help it is necessary to meet a series of requirements. The main one is to be 65 years old or older and to have legally resided in Spain for at least ten years since the age of 16, of which two must be consecutive and immediately preceding the request. Furthermore, the non-contributory pension is incompatible with other non-contributory benefits.

Another key criterion is economic. The applicant’s annual income cannot be limited. Social Security establishes different thresholds depending on the number of household members and your income level. Although it is usually associated mainly with housewives, this pension can also be requested by other people who have not reached the minimum 15 years of contributions required.

Likewise, there is a non-contributory modality for people with disabilities between 18 and 65 years old that accredit a grade equal to or greater than 65%.

How to request the non-contributory pension

The application process depends on the autonomous communitysince the management of these pensions is transferred. Each territory establishes its own channels, although in Ceuta and Melilla the procedure is carried out directly through the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (Imserso). Even so, there is common documentation, such as the Annual Certificate of Non-Contributory Pension Income, that can be downloaded online.

The way you apply may vary. In some communities it is allowed do it in person, in others electronically and, in many cases, through both options. Therefore, before starting the process it is advisable to consult the specific information of the corresponding regional body. The Imserso website centralizes links, addresses and contact information that make it easy to know where and how to submit the application.