Social benefits and tax exemptions for Chilean seniors

In Chile, various financial benefits and exemptions have been identified for specific demographics. Non-state compensation funds provide the ‘Bono Bodas de Plata’ to couples celebrating 25 years of marriage or Civil Union Agreements, with amounts varying by institution. Additionally, the ‘Beneficio por Años Cotizados’ (BAC) offers payments to pensioners based on their years of contributions, with specific minimum requirements for men and women.

Furthering social benefits for seniors, Chile has approved a property tax exemption for citizens over the age of 65 regarding their primary residence. While intended to recognize the contributions of senior citizens, the measure has faced criticism regarding its potential impact on municipal revenue and the concentration of benefits in higher-income sectors. Discussions continue regarding how the state will compensate municipalities for the resulting loss of revenue.

Expanding housing support, the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism (Minvu) has announced the 2026 Rental Subsidy program, specifically targeting senior citizens and people with disabilities. The program offers 3,270 subsidies nationwide, with 3,000 allocated to seniors and 270 to adults with disabilities. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the bottom 70% of the Social Household Registry and demonstrate a minimum income equivalent to 5 UF. This specific call does not require prior savings. The subsidy can cover between 90% and 95% of monthly rent, with a maximum state contribution of 213 UF per beneficiary. Applications for this program are scheduled to run from September 8 to October 8, 2026, and can be submitted online via the Minvu website or in person at Serviu offices.