Spain's Social Security sets early retirement criteria for professional drivers

Spain's Social Security has outlined the legal conditions for early retirement at age 61. Workers must have at least 33 years of contributions, including two years within the last 15, and must leave their job due to an objective cause such as collective dismissal. They also need a minimum six‑month registration as unemployed before applying. Pension amounts are reduced, potentially by up to 30%, for those with modest contribution records, and the early exit incurs a permanent reduction compared with the standard retirement age of 66 years and ten months.

In addition, the agency produced a report supporting the use of reduction coefficients for professional road‑transport drivers. The document cites the sector’s higher mortality and morbidity rates, a rising trend in permanent disabilities, and an ageing workforce, arguing that these factors justify granting earlier pension eligibility and lower pension reductions for this occupational group.