The reason? The child pension supplement, now called the gender gap supplement.
The current accounts of thousands of retirees, who joined this "golden age" between 2016 and 2021, may see a significant increase in their pensions.
The reason? The child pension supplement, now called the gender gap supplement.
We consulted Heras-Sasot Abogados , our partner in legal matters and experts in financial issues, to find out who can access this add-on?
Although this measure was initially intended only for women, men can now also benefit from it following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
This child pension supplement , introduced to recognize mothers' demographic contribution, can now be claimed by men on equal terms. This is a way to promote equal treatment and shared responsibility in raising children. True equality.
What does the gender gap supplement consist of?
The regulations, which came into force in 2016, stipulate that pensioners can receive an increase in their pension depending on the number of children they have:
- It will be a 5% increase for those who have two children.
- A 10% increase for those who have three children.
- Finally, a 15% increase for those who have four or more.
The benefit goes directly to those receiving contributory pensions for retirement , permanent disability, or widowhood . And here's the catch: only if they retired between January 1, 2016, and February 3, 2021, the date on which the regulations changed and the supplement became known as the gender gap supplement.
How do I request the add-on?
It is essential that pensioners submit an application to Social Security , as this agency does not grant it automatically. If it is not requested, it is not received. The process is not overly complex, but to avoid errors and to ensure eligibility for this pension increase, it is always advisable to consult with experts in the field, such as the law firm Heras-Sasot.
It's important to gather the necessary documentation : all your retirement information, details about your children, and any additional documents that support your application. Submit your application online through the Social Security portal or in person at the relevant offices, for which an appointment is usually required.
In many cases, the initial application may be rejected. If this happens, it is important to file an administrative appeal , following the appropriate procedures.
If the administrative claim is also rejected, the case can be taken to the labor courts . Many retirees have been successful at this stage with lawyers specializing in gender pay gap supplements.
Tips and considerations for applying for the gender gap supplement
It's not easy to obtain, so the first piece of advice experts give is not to get discouraged by the first rejection. In fact, based on past experience, Social Security often rejects the first applications, but this doesn't mean the end of the road.
A good option is to consider getting help from lawyers specializing in pensions and social rights , such as Heras-Sasot, who, based on their track record, have demonstrated success in similar cases.
So, now you know, if you retired between 2016 and 2021 and have children , it's worth exploring the possibility of claiming this supplement. Not only could you see a significant increase in your pension, but you could also recover retroactive amounts that can make a big difference to your bank account.
