Spain updates widowhood pension requirements for non-registered couples

widowhood pension Spanish government social security reform de facto couples Royal Decree-Law 31/2026

The Spanish government has approved a regulatory change regarding widowhood pensions, specifically targeting couples who shared children but never formally married or registered as a de facto couple. Under Royal Decree-Law 31/2026, these individuals can now apply for the benefit without needing to prove a legal bond, provided they meet specific coexistence criteria.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they had children in common with the deceased and can prove at least two years of uninterrupted coexistence immediately preceding the death. Documentation such as a certificate of census registration (empadronamiento) will be required to substantiate the period of shared residence, as having children alone is insufficient to secure the pension.

Entities

Alfafar · Barcelona · Catalonia · General Council of the Judiciary · Government of Catalonia · Government of Spain · Horta Sud · Júcar Hydrographic Confederation · Mossos d'Esquadra · Official State Gazette · Policía Nacional · Ramon Espadaler

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform was published in the BOE on October 21. www.valenciaextra.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A residency certificate (empadronamiento) can be used to demonstrate cohabitation. www.valenciaextra.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform affects couples with children in common who were not legally married or registered as a domestic partnership. www.valenciaextra.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Applicants must prove at least two years of uninterrupted cohabitation immediately before the death. www.valenciaextra.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Spanish government approved changes to widowhood pension requirements. www.valenciaextra.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The modification is contained in Royal Decree-Law 31/2026. www.valenciaextra.com