Good news for retirees in Alicante and across Spain. Preliminary CPI data now allows a calculation for November, indicating a government revaluation of pensions. If next year’s contributions align with the figure published by INE on Tuesday, pensions would rise by 8.46%. This significant increase will benefit about 299,000 retirees and lift nearly 23,000 households receiving the Minimum Vital Income, whose aid would rise at the same rate.
The new calculation framework determines that the pension amount will be adjusted at the end of November based on average inflation for the preceding twelve months. While CPI for this month shows a decline to 6.8 percent thanks to lower electricity and fuel costs and a four-month easing trend in increases, the anticipated contribution increase stands at 8.46 percent.
Practically, this means that the average pension in Alicante will rise from January by roughly 80 euros per month, pushing total pensions over the thousand-euro mark for the first time. Specifically, the average will move from 945.73 euros to 1,025.73 euros, according to Social Security statistics.
What this means on the ground is that while the headline is an average, individual increases depend on each beneficiary’s specific pension type and calculation. In Alicante, nearly one third of retirees receive the minimum supplement, meaning their accrued contributions do not meet the legally required minimum for their pension type. About one quarter of beneficiaries in the state earn less than 600 euros monthly, with many far below that threshold.
Tell me where you live in Alicante and I’ll tell you how much pension you get.
Looking at pension types, the most numerous and the largest in value were claimed by 212,832 residents of Alicante, with an average pension of 1,071.97 euros. This translates to a typical January increase of about 90.6 euros.
Widow’s benefits are received by 80,866 Alicante residents, with an average payment around 707 euros. The adjustment for these beneficiaries is about 59.8 euros. Orphans’ pensions serve 12,466 people in the province, averaging 387.3 euros, which means an increase of roughly 32.7 euros from January. Permanent disability pensions cover 23,151 recipients, averaging 936 euros, and they will see an increase near 79.1 euros.
Minimum Vital Income recipients, numbering just over 23,000 households nationwide, will also receive an 8.46 percent increase under the same policy.
A couple of retirees enjoying a social moment in Alicante is part of the everyday life highlighted in these figures, reflecting the broader impact on local communities.
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People receiving non-contributory benefits because they have not worked or accumulated enough contributions face a different situation. Some benefits are directly funded by Imserso and support around 17,900 residents in Alicante. The government has already signaled that the extraordinary 15% uplift enacted last July will continue to offset rising prices for this group. Even so, non-contributory pensions remain low, with the average around 499 euros, and around 537 euros in the Valencian Community. For those with permanent disabilities, the numbers are even tighter and survival is a constant challenge.
Escrivá proposes increasing the calculation period for pensions
The inflation data used to adjust pensions comes just days after José Luis Escrivá, the minister of Inclusion and Social Security, floated a reform plan to extend the calculation period used to determine pensions. The proposal would raise the premium period from 25 to 30 years and exclude the two worst years within that span. This aims to protect workers who face job loss or late-career changes, but it would affect others unfavorably.
Even so, the proposal drew backlash from unions who questioned its necessity, and Podemos representatives in the government, particularly Vice President Yolanda Díaz, criticized it. The CEOE also voiced concerns about parts of the plan, including the proposed rise in the maximum contribution base paid by employers. Reaching a consensus on the changes has proven difficult.
Additionally, the ministry suggested improving how premium gaps are treated for women and men whose contribution histories decline after childbirth, aligning with the gender gap supplement. Proposals also include special measures for self-employed workers whose contribution gaps widen over time.
In parallel, the government emphasized continued support for non-contributory and vulnerable groups, ensuring that reforms do not erode the basic safety net while aiming to keep pensions fair and sustainable for the long term.