December pensions will arrive early in Social Security pensioners’ accounts and the Christmas bonus is included. Confirmation was given by the Government, which announced that payment will be made on Friday, December 5th, thus bringing forward the usual calendar.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, cited in an official publication on social media, this anticipation is due to the fact that the 8th, the normal processing date, coincides with the Immaculate Conception holiday. According to the same source, the objective is to ensure that payment occurs before the long weekend, avoiding delays associated with bank unavailability.
Who gets it and when
The majority of Social Security pensioners will see the amount credited at the end of this week. The measure replicates the procedure adopted last year, when, for the same reasons, payment was also anticipated. As explained by the Executive in the note published online, the objective is to maintain predictability in family income, especially in a month with more expenses.
In the case of Caixa Geral de Aposentações pensioners, the Christmas allowance was already paid on November 19th, together with the monthly pension, according to the calendar published on the institution’s website. Therefore, this anticipation only applies to Social Security beneficiaries.
And in 2026? The increases are practically defined
With December just around the corner, attention now turns to 2026. According to data released by the National Statistics Institute, cited by DECO PROteste, the majority of pensioners should receive an update in the order of 2.8 percent next year.
The estimate results from the average inflation of the last twelve months, excluding housing, which was 2.27 percent, and the average GDP growth in the last two years.
According to DECO PROteste, if these values are confirmed, the social support index should rise from 522.50 euros to 537.13 euros in 2026. From this value, the projected increases for pensions would be as follows:
- 2.8 percent for pensions equal to or less than 1,074.26 euros
- 2.3 percent between 1,074.26 and 3,222.78 euros
- 2 percent between 3,222.78 and 6,445.56 euros
According to the consumer protection organization, the final accounts should only be closed in mid-December, but estimates already allow the magnitude of the increase to be anticipated with some certainty.
What to do to confirm values
It also reminds that pensioners can consult all the details of their pension, including adjustments and deductions, through Social Security Direct. Simply access the Pensions menu, select Pension Income and open the Pension Receipts section. The publication reinforces that this verification is important, especially in months with extraordinary payments.
With the anticipation of pensions and the Christmas bonus already guaranteed, the month starts with some financial predictability for those who depend on this income.
It now remains to wait for final confirmations on the update of reforms for 2026, in an economic context that continues to be marked by moderate inflation and limited growth.
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