This is how pensions will stay in Alicante in 2023
Retirement patterns in Alicante reveal a trend where people retire later than many other Spaniards, a shift visible in the latest Social Security data. The rise is driven not only by a deliberate policy to extend the legal retirement age, aiming for 67 by 2027, but also by local labor-market realities that shorten careers in the region. In Alicante, this combination translates into longer contribution periods and later access to the pension system compared with other provinces.
In the first months of the year, the share of Alicante residents receiving a pension contribution showed a notable delay. The average retirement age hovered around 65 years and a couple of months, several months higher than in 2019. This shift aligns with changes in the normal retirement age, where the statutory age moved upward in the period under review. The maximum period to qualify for a full pension remains tied to a defined contribution horizon, currently pegged at nearly four decades and nine months. For those still within the transition window, access to pension benefits typically remains at age 65, with the required contribution time having grown since 2019.
Across the province, there are meaningful divergences in retirement timing that reflect the local economic structure. Alicante’s residents tend to retire later than the national average of 65, while some neighboring regions see earlier retirement moments. The data highlight a provincial mosaic: some areas report earlier exits; others show a more pronounced delay, underscoring the influence of seasonal industries and regional labor markets on retirement planning.
Within this landscape, foral communities show different patterns. In Alicante, a segment of workers exits the workforce around 64 to 64.5 years, whereas other provinces such as Teruel record slightly later exits. Overall, the national pattern places many workers in a window where retirement decisions are shaped by both earnings potential and job stability. In Alicante, the tendency to delay retirement is often tied to the structure of the local economy, including tourism and traditional sectors that sustain employment only for parts of the year.
This seasonality means many workers accumulate fewer years of service or contributions within a single year, making early retirement less viable without compromising future pensions. Insights from the Provincial Social Graduate School and regional labor experts emphasize that lower starting points for pensions in some years can deter early withdrawals, as the trade-off between current income and future benefits weighs heavily. Early retirement remains uncommon for many in Alicante this year, with typical pension figures reflecting the broader economic context.
Looking at pension benefits by age reveals that the highest monthly payments often come from those who retire earlier, though this pattern is increasingly rare. Some workers formerly in high-demand fields may still retire around 59 or 60, especially in occupations like mining, aviation, or certain police and emergency roles, where early retirement remains an option. In contrast, others who extend their careers beyond 65 may see significantly smaller yearly pension increments, illustrating how longevity of work does not always translate into proportional gains in benefits.
A man from Alicante recognized the right to withdraw from retirement to continue contributing to the Supreme Court and receive a higher amount
Policy measures introduced to encourage voluntary postponement of retirement have gained traction. Programs launched in recent years allow retirees to increase benefits through continued contributions or by accepting a lump-sum incentive. Well-paid professionals often find value in staying on a bit longer, a trend reinforced by public administration incentives. So far this year, nearly 8% of Alicante retirees were aged over 67, a sign that delaying retirement can translate into meaningful gains.
Debate around extending the retirement age continues, with advocates noting the diverse conditions across professions. Some roles demand greater physical or mental exertion, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all policy may not be appropriate. Regional leaders emphasize that any future changes should consider these differences to avoid inequitable outcomes.
In the first four months, 11,143 workers chose to delay retirement in exchange for incentives approved by the government, a figure that reflects ongoing adjustments to the cost and revenue balance of the pension system. Over the previous year, the counts were 17,651 and in 2019, 14,643, underscoring the enduring appeal of pension postponement. While some opt for larger ongoing benefits, others prefer a one-time check. The average check amounts to about 20,489 euros so far this year, and recent policy updates allow both incentive types to be combined for greater flexibility.