By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has officially released its pension payment schedule for the final quarter of 2025, providing crucial financial certainty for thousands of beneficiaries. In a coordinated announcement, the institution also issued a stern warning about a seasonal increase in fraudulent activities specifically targeting retirees and vulnerable populations.
The anxiously awaited dates confirm the disbursement for beneficiaries of both the Disability, Old Age, and Death (IVM) and the Non-Contributory Pension (RNC) regimes. The October payment is scheduled for Friday, October 31. This predictable income is the primary means of support for a significant segment of the population, covering fundamental expenses such as housing, food, medical care, and utilities.
To provide a clearer legal perspective on the challenges and potential reforms facing the CCSS pension system, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sustainability of the CCSS pension fund is not just an actuarial debate; it is a matter of fundamental rights. Any proposed reform must navigate the complex legal landscape of acquired rights and legitimate expectations of contributors. The Board of Directors has a fiduciary duty to guarantee the system’s solvency, but this responsibility cannot be used to justify measures that disproportionately affect pensioners or violate the constitutional principles of social security. A failure to strike this balance could result in a wave of legal claims against the state.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores that the path to a sustainable pension system is paved not only with financial adjustments but also with a deep respect for the legal and human rights of its contributors. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this essential legal and social dimension to the debate.
Looking ahead, the CCSS has outlined the remaining payment dates for the year to assist pensioners with their financial planning. The November deposit is set for Friday, November 28, and will be a particularly substantial one. This payment will include the regular monthly pension along with the highly anticipated annual bonus known as the “aguinaldo.” This end-of-year bonus is a critical financial tool for many families, helping to cover holiday expenses and other seasonal costs.
The final pension payment of the year will be disbursed on Tuesday, December 30. By providing this complete calendar, the CCSS aims to empower its beneficiaries, allowing them to manage their budgets effectively through the busy and often costly holiday season. The reliability of these payments underscores the social security system’s role as a cornerstone of the nation’s social fabric.
Concurrent with the payment announcement, the CCSS has launched a public awareness campaign to combat financial fraud. Officials emphasized that periods surrounding large disbursements like pensions and the aguinaldo often see a sharp rise in attempts by criminals to deceive beneficiaries. Senior citizens, in particular, are identified as a primary target for sophisticated telephone and digital scams designed to steal their funds.
The institution is urging extreme caution and has reiterated its core security guidelines. Beneficiaries are strongly advised never to share personal information, bank account details, PINs, or passwords with anyone over the phone, via text message, or on social media. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency or offer fake prizes and extraordinary benefits to trick individuals into compromising their accounts.
Furthermore, the CCSS stressed a critical point of protocol: the institution will never initiate contact with a beneficiary to request confidential data. Any unsolicited call, email, or message claiming to be from the CCSS and asking for such information should be considered a fraudulent attempt. Pensioners are also reminded never to hand over their debit cards or personal documents to third parties, even if they claim to be assisting with a transaction.
By coupling the payment schedule with this robust security alert, the CCSS is taking a proactive stance to safeguard the financial well-being of those who have contributed to the country’s development throughout their working lives. The message is clear: while the funds are secure and on their way, personal vigilance is the best defense against those seeking to exploit the system. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the authorities immediately.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the public institution in charge of Costa Rica’s social security system. Founded in 1941, it is responsible for managing the nation’s public health services as well as its pension programs, including the primary Disability, Old Age, and Death (IVM) regime. The CCSS is a fundamental pillar of the country’s social welfare state, providing universal healthcare and retirement benefits to millions of citizens and residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation on a foundation of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm continually champions innovative legal strategies and dedicated community involvement. This profound commitment to demystifying legal complexities is central to its mission of cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society, empowered by accessible legal wisdom.
