The Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU) is a fundamental economic support for people over 65 years of age in Chile. This state benefit aims to ensure a basic income for those who meet certain requirements, such as having a base pension of less than $1,158,355 per month and not belonging to the richest 10% of the population. However, it is common for doubts to arise about how the benefit can affect everyday situations, such as going on vacation abroad.
One of the most common concerns among PGU beneficiaries is whether they could lose the right to receive it when leaving Chile to enjoy a break outside the country. The good news is that there is no need to worry about a journey short. The PGU is only affected if the beneficiary remains outside the country for more than 180 continuous days in a calendar year. That is, a short stay abroad will not imply the suspension of the benefit.
It is important to clarify that residence in Chile is a key requirement to maintain the PGUBeneficiaries must have resided in the country for at least 20 years, continuously or discontinuously, since they turned 20 years old. In addition, they are required to have lived in Chile for at least four of the last five years prior to applying for the benefit. These conditions seek to ensure that the financial support is directed to those who really need it and have a lasting connection to the country.
In the event that a beneficiary leaves Chile for a prolonged period and exceeds 180 continuous days, the PGU could be suspended. This measure is not permanent, but it implies that, to reestablish the benefit, the person must return to Chile and comply again with the established residence requirements. That is why it is recommended to plan any trip well. journey long-term to avoid setbacks with receiving the pension.
Another aspect to consider is that the Social Security Institute (IPS) carries out periodic reviews to verify that the beneficiaries of the PGU continue to meet the requirements. This means that, even if the person does not leave the country, it is important to stay informed and meet all the conditions so as not to lose the benefit. Among the causes of termination are not collecting the PGU for six consecutive months or not providing the required background information within the established deadlines.
