Non-contributory pensions (PNC) and minimum supplements

Non-contributory pensions (PNC) are financial benefits for people in a situation of need who have never contributed, or have not done so long enough to access a contributory pension. There are two types: the retirement PNC (by age) and the invalidity PNC (by disability). They are managed by the autonomous communities, which have the transferred powers of the IMSERSO (in Ceuta and Melilla they are managed by the IMSERSO itself).

The minimum supplement is different: it is not a separate pension, but an addition that the INSS adds to a contributory pension (retirement, permanent incapacity, widowhood or orphanhood) when its amount does not reach the legal minimum set each year, provided the pensioner resides in Spain and does not exceed the income limit.

The Child Support Supplement (CAI, also called CAPI) is a monthly benefit from the INSS for each dependent minor, linked to the Minimum Vital Income. Managora studies which of these benefits you are entitled to and processes it for you.

For the retirement PNC you must be 65 years old or older, lack sufficient income and prove legal residence in Spain for at least 10 years between the age of 16 and the date of the application, of which 2 must be consecutive and immediately prior to that date.

For the invalidity PNC you must be between 18 and 64 years old, have a degree of disability equal to or greater than 65%, lack sufficient income and prove legal residence in Spain for 5 years, of which 2 must be consecutive and immediately prior to the application.

They can be requested by both Spanish nationals and foreigners with legal residence in Spain who meet the residence and income requirements. The same person cannot receive the retirement PNC and the invalidity PNC at the same time: they are incompatible with each other.

The lack of income requirement is met when the applicant's personal annual income is less than the full amount of the pension (€8,803.20 in 2026). If the applicant lives with other people in the same economic unit, their income is also added and higher limits apply depending on the number of cohabitants.

Only family members up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (spouse, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren and siblings) are counted. When there are first-degree relatives (parents or children) among the cohabitants, the income limits of the unit are multiplied, as shown in the table.

If you have some income below the limit, you do not lose the pension: you are granted the difference between the full amount and your income, with a guaranteed minimum of 25% (€2,200.80 per year in 2026). Managora calculates if you are entitled to it and for what amount.

If you receive a contributory pension whose amount falls below the legal minimum for its type, the INSS pays you a minimum supplement until you reach that amount. It is common in early retirement pensions with few years of contributions, incapacity or widowhood.

To be entitled you must reside in Spanish territory and not exceed the annual income limit: €9,442.00 without a dependent spouse and €11,013.00 with a dependent spouse in 2026. The supplement cannot be received if you have your own income above that threshold.

The minimum supplement cannot be exported: it requires effective residence in Spain. It is usually granted together with the contributory pension, but if it was not applied to you and you believe you are entitled to it, Managora reviews your file and claims it before the INSS.

The Child Support Supplement is a monthly INSS benefit for each dependent minor within the household. Its amounts in 2026 depend on the age of the minor: €115 per month from 0 to 3 years, €80.50 from 3 to 6 years and €57.50 from 6 to 18 years.

It is linked to the Minimum Vital Income, but its income and wealth limits are broader: the CAI can be received even if you are not entitled to the full IMV. The household must not exceed 300% of the guaranteed income of the IMV for its type of unit nor 150% of the wealth threshold.

It is requested from the INSS, together with the IMV or independently, through the electronic headquarters (imv.seg-social.es). Managora checks with the official simulator if your unit meets the limits and submits the application for you.

The two types of PNC are incompatible with each other and with welfare pensions and minimum income guarantee subsidies. If you are entitled to a contributory pension, the PNC does not apply. The invalidity PNC does allow partial compatibility with income from work within certain limits, designed not to penalise joining employment.

Anyone receiving a PNC is obliged to submit a declaration of their income and that of their household every year, and to communicate any change in income, wealth, marital status, residence or cohabitation within 30 days. Failure to do so may result in suspension or the obligation to return what was overpaid.

The CAI is compatible with the IMV and with other income within its limits. Managora takes care of both the initial application and the annual declarations and communications of changes so that you do not lose the benefit.