Pension for disability, widowhood, and orphanhood under the IVM Regimen of the CCSS

In addition to the pension for old age (see separate sheet), the Invalidez, Vejez y Muerte (IVM) scheme of the CCSS covers two additional situations: that the insured becomes disabled before being able to retire for old age, and that they die leaving people who were economically dependent on them. The legal framework is the Reglamento del Seguro de Invalidez, Vejez y Muerte, issued by the Junta Directiva de la CCSS based on its Ley Constitutiva (see separate sheet).

What is considered “disabled” for this insurance (Articulo 8): anyone who, due to a physical or mental alteration or weakening, loses two‑thirds or more of their ability to perform their profession, usual activity, or another activity compatible with their remaining capacity, and therefore cannot obtain sufficient income. This is determined by the Comision Calificadora del Estado de Invalidez (Articulo 7), a specific body of the CCSS for these medical evaluations.

Required contributions for a disability pension (Articulo 6, summary): there are two paths — 1. Having contributed at least 180 monthly contributions in total, regardless of age. 2. Meeting a minimum number of contributions based on the age at which the disability occurs, which is LOWER the younger the person (for example, 12 contributions if 24 years old or younger, increasing progressively with age) — in addition to having contributed at least 12 contributions in the last 24 months before the declaration (or 24 contributions in the last 48 months if the disability occurs at age 48 or older). There is also a reduced proportional pension if at least 60 contributions were accumulated but the above table is not completed.

Who is entitled to a widow/widower pension (Articulo 9): the surviving spouse who lived under the same roof and was economically dependent on the deceased; or, in a de facto union, the partner who lived together for at least 3 continuous years, exclusively and under the same roof, with proven economic dependence. If there is both a spouse and a partner with economic dependence at the same time, the CCSS may recognize the right for both, dividing the amount 50% each (Articulo 10) — but no more than two widow/widower pensions are granted for the same deceased person. This right is excluded for anyone declared an author or accomplice of the insured’s death.

Who is entitled to an orphan pension (Articulo 12): unmarried children under 18 years old who were economically dependent on the deceased; or children under 25 years old, unmarried and students who regularly meet their studies.

Contribution requirement of the deceased for these pensions to exist (Articulo 18): for survivors to be entitled to a pension, the deceased must have been in one of these situations — already retired for old age or disability, or having contributed 180 contributions in total, or having contributed at least 12 contributions in the last 24 months before death.

Note: this sheet summarizes the most frequently consulted requirements of a technical regulation with many specific reforms over the years — the exact calculation of each pension amount, and particular cases (for example, children with disabilities without age limit, or absence of a widow/widower and orphans), are not covered here. For a real case, the process starts at any CCSS branch or on the virtual platform of the Gerencia de Pensiones (pensiones.ccss.sa.cr) — it is free, and a third party can be authorized to do it via a signed letter or notarized power of attorney if the interested person cannot handle it in person.