Chilean women aged 65 and older may be eligible for a government benefit designed to supplement their pensions, providing a financial boost for each child born alive or adopted. The “Bono por Hijo” – or Bonus per Child – is awarded alongside regular pension payments and does not require a separate application fee.
According to officials, the bonus recognizes both biological and adoptive motherhood. “In the case of adopted children, the bonus applies to both the adoptive mother and the biological mother,” ChileAtiende stated.
Age Requirement for the Bonus per Child
To qualify for the benefit, women must be at least 65 years old and meet specific criteria related to their pension status. These include:
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Women affiliated with an AFP (Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones) who began receiving a pension on or after July 1, 2009. The amount of the bonus may be affected if the recipient as well receives the Aporte Previsional Solidario de Vejez (APSV), and any existing Garantía Estatal (State Guarantee) may be suspended by the AFP.
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Recipients of the Pensión Garantizada Universal (PGU) will continue to receive the bonus even if they no longer qualify for the PGU.
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Women not affiliated with a pension system who receive a PGU and a survivor’s pension from an AFP, insurer, or IPS (Instituto de Previsión de Salud) starting July 1, 2009.
Additional Requirements
Beyond the age requirement, applicants must have resided in Chile for a total of 20 years, either consecutively or intermittently, starting at age 20. They must also have lived in Chile for at least four of the five years preceding their application.
How the Bonus Amount is Calculated
The bonus amount is based on 10% of 18 Monthly Minimum Incomes. The specific minimum income used in the calculation depends on the child’s date of birth.
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For children born before July 1, 2009, the minimum income in effect in July 2009 – $165,000 Chilean pesos – is used.
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For children born after that date, the minimum income in effect during the month of their birth is applied.
This benefit aims to enhance the financial security of women in their later years, acknowledging both biological and adoptive motherhood and contributing to improved pension income for those who meet the established requirements.
