The Universal Guaranteed Pension (PGU), the contribution provided by the Chilean State to supplement the low pensions of retirees, has a new increase in its amount for the month of September. From now on, people over 75 years old will have a rise in the money they receive each month, reaching a maximum of over 250,000 pesos (267 dollars). This benefit has been gradually delivered to the most vulnerable pensioners and next year it will reach those over 65 years old, with almost total coverage for this population group.
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The increase in the PGU is one of the effects of the pension reform that was approved during Gabriel Boric’s Government, which imposed the biggest change in the Chilean pension system since 1981, when the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) were created to manage the individual accounts of contributors. Other benefits of the law adjustment are the guarantee per year contributed; compensation for women; and the additional contribution charged to the employer, which is applied gradually.
How much does the PGU increase in Chile?
Before this increase, the base amount of the PGU for people under 82 years old reached 231,732 pesos (247 dollars). That amount rises to 250,275 pesos starting September 2026 with the new adjustment to the benefit.
Who are the beneficiaries of the pension increase
This increase is aimed at pensioners between 81 and 75 years old, who will match the money that those over 82 years old already receive from September 2025 with the first PGU increase. Specifically, if a person is 75 years or older by September 30, their pension will automatically increase starting that month. If the pensioner turns 75 between October 2026 and August 2027, they will be entitled to the increase from the month of their birthday.
This year also sees increases in the amounts of other benefits such as the Basic Solidarity Disability Pension (PBSI), the Disability Subsidy (SD), and the Solidarity Disability Pension Contribution (APSI). It also includes pensioners over 75 years old under reparation laws and grace pensions and, from 2027, pensioners of montepío granted by DIPRECA or CAPREDENA.
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How to get the PGU increase
To access this increase in the state pension, it is not necessary to carry out any procedure, as it is an automatic adjustment. Pensioners do not have to perform any procedure or management to activate the new monthly amount. The pension increase should be reflected in the September payment statement and is delivered in the same way as in previous months.
Where to check the pension increase
People who need to know if they are beneficiaries of the PGU increase can enter the ChileAtiende website, the platform that brings together state services. To enter, the user needs to enter their RUT (the Chilean identity number) and their date of birth. This same portal also offers information about the date and method of payment of the Universal Guaranteed Pension. Pensioners can also call the call center 101 or visit some of the 202 ChileAtiende branches in all regions of Chile.
What is the PGU in Chile
The Universal Guaranteed Pension is a benefit that was created at the beginning of 2022, during the last months of Sebastián Piñera’s Government. It arose as a law to replace the Solidarity Pillar (Basic Solidarity Pension and Solidarity Pension Contribution), a contribution created in 2008 during Michelle Bachelet’s first administration. Its objective is to raise, through a state contribution, the low pensions that pensioners receive after finishing their working life. Under Gabriel Boric’s Government, a pension reform was enacted that moved towards a mixed system with elements of solidarity, with a reinforcement of the PGU through an increase in its monthly amounts.
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