Spain to Allow Earlier Retirement for Workers with Disabilities

Spain’s Social Security system will allow workers with 11 newly recognized pathologies to retire up to 10 years early without pension reductions. The measure, effective in 2026, benefits approximately 50,000 people with recognized disabilities. Workers can now retire at age 56 if they meet specific criteria including a disability rating of 45% or higher and at least 15 years of contributions, with a minimum of 5 years worked while having the recognized disability.

The expanded list of qualifying conditions includes neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy, and other severe illnesses like chronic kidney disease. The decision follows work by the Directorate-General for Social Security and was previewed by the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz.

The change aims to align retirement conditions for those with severe illnesses, and the time spent with a disability will be counted toward pension calculations.