# New rules for widow's pension access in Spain

29 October 2026 at 16:20

> Real Decreto-ley 31/2026 simplifies pension claims for couples with children by removing the need for formal partnership registration.

**Real Decreto-ley 31/2026** has officially entered into force, introducing significant reforms to widow's pension access for couples with children. Published on 20 October 2026, the new regulation simplifies the accreditation process for stable relationships.

**Social Security** official **Alfonso Muñoz** confirmed that couples with children no longer require formal domestic partnership registration. Instead, they must prove two years of uninterrupted coexistence via a **census certificate**, as per **Article 221** of the law.

The reform includes a twelve-month non-extendable window for applications relating to prior deaths. While other legal requirements remain, successful transitional claims will see economic effects begin the month following the formal submission of the request.


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