If an illness or accident has left you unable to work the way you used to, Spain's permanent disability pension exists to replace some of the income you have lost. Here is what you need to know about who qualifies, the different levels of disability, and how much you could receive.

Who can claim it

Anyone registered under a Spanish Social Security scheme who meets the requirements for the relevant disability level can claim this pension.

The four levels of disability

Spanish law recognizes four degrees of permanent disability, and the level you are assessed at determines both the requirements and the amount you receive.

  • Partial disability for your usual job: your ability to perform your normal profession is reduced by at least 33 percent.
  • Total disability for your usual job: you can no longer do your current job, but you are still capable of working in a different role.
  • Absolute disability for all work: you are unable to do any kind of work at all.
  • Severe disability: on top of absolute disability, you need help from another person for your most basic daily activities.

What you need to qualify

The requirements depend on which degree of disability applies to you. Generally you need a minimum period of prior Social Security contributions, along with some general conditions. However, if your disability was caused by an accident, whether work-related or not, or by an occupational illness, no minimum prior contributions are required at all.

How much you get paid

The amount is based on a "base pension" figure, with a percentage applied depending on your recognized level of disability.

  • Partial disability: a one-off lump sum equal to 24 months of the base pension used to calculate temporary disability.
  • Total disability: 55 percent of the base pension. This rises by an extra 20 percent once you turn 55, if it is shown that it would be difficult for you to find work in a different profession from your usual one.
  • Absolute disability: 100 percent of the base pension.
  • Severe disability: the percentage for total or absolute disability, plus an additional supplement on top.

If you think you may qualify for any of these levels, or you are unsure which one applies to your situation, get in touch and we can talk through the details with you.