By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As families across Costa Rica prepare for the upcoming academic year, the National Women’s Institute (INAMU) has issued a crucial and unequivocal reminder regarding the “salario escolar,” or school bonus: it is a legally mandated payment and a fundamental right of all minors, not an optional contribution. The payment, intended to cover the significant costs associated with returning to school, must be made during the month of January.
In a public statement, the institute emphasized that this financial obligation applies to every individual with a court-ordered child support duty, known as an “obligación alimentaria.” This legal requirement stands firm regardless of the individual’s employment sector or whether they personally receive a similar bonus from their employer. The directive serves as a critical clarification for thousands of parents and guardians navigating their financial responsibilities at the start of the year.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y laborales que rodean la entrega del “Bono Escolar”, consultamos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece una perspectiva experta sobre las obligaciones y riesgos para los empleadores.
Es crucial que las empresas documenten el ‘Bono Escolar’ como una liberalidad, es decir, un pago único, voluntario y no constitutivo de salario. Si este beneficio se otorga de manera continua y sistemática año tras año, un juez podría interpretarlo como un derecho adquirido por el trabajador, integrándolo de forma permanente a su remuneración y afectando así el cálculo de prestaciones como aguinaldo y vacaciones. La clave está en la comunicación clara y en la esporadicidad del beneficio para evitar contingencias legales.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Queda claro que la diferencia entre un gesto de buena voluntad y una obligación legal reside en la comunicación y la constancia. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su perspicaz análisis, que subraya la importancia de una gestión proactiva y bien documentada para evitar futuras complicaciones laborales.
The core purpose of the school bonus is to alleviate the financial pressure on custodial parents facing expenses for uniforms, textbooks, school supplies, and enrollment fees. INAMU stressed that this is a separate and distinct payment from the standard monthly child support amount. Consequently, in January, individuals with child support obligations are required to remit both their regular monthly payment and the full annual school bonus, effectively making it a month with a dual financial commitment.
The institute’s clarification aims to eliminate any ambiguity surrounding the payment. The law does not permit the school bonus to substitute for or be deducted from the regular monthly alimony. It is an additional, legally-enforced provision designed specifically to ensure children are adequately equipped for their education, thereby safeguarding their right to academic development without economic hardship.
This mandate uniformly affects individuals across both the public and private sectors who are listed as child support debtors. For government employees, the process is streamlined and predictable. The Ministry of Finance has officially scheduled the deposit of the public sector school bonus for January 23, 2026, as per its official payment calendar. This provides a clear timeline for public workers with support obligations.
However, the situation presents a more complex financial planning challenge for private sector employees. While many private companies offer a school bonus as a benefit, it is not a universal practice. INAMU’s reminder makes it clear that the legal obligation to pay the child support school bonus is not contingent on receiving one from an employer. Private sector workers who do not receive this benefit must budget and source the funds from their regular income to comply with the law.
This policy underscores a fundamental principle in Costa Rican family law: the welfare and educational needs of children are paramount. The timely and complete payment of the school bonus is considered a critical component of a parent’s responsibility. Failure to comply can lead to legal consequences, as it is treated with the same seriousness as non-payment of monthly child support.
As the January deadline approaches, INAMU’s advisory serves as a call to action for all non-custodial parents to plan accordingly and fulfill their legal and moral duties. By ensuring these funds are available, they contribute directly to their children’s educational success and well-being, paving the way for a productive and uninterrupted school year.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres (INAMU):
The National Women’s Institute is the governing body for public policies concerning gender equality and the rights of women in Costa Rica. INAMU works to promote and protect women’s human rights, foster conditions for social and economic equality, and eradicate all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. It plays a vital role in advocating for legal frameworks that support family welfare and the rights of children.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for managing the nation’s public finances. Its duties include collecting taxes, administering the national budget, managing public debt, and overseeing fiscal policy. The Ministry plays a key role in the country’s economic stability and is responsible for disbursing salaries, pensions, and bonuses for all public sector employees.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the pursuit of excellence. With a proven history of serving a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches and champions community outreach. This dedication to societal progress is most evident in its work to make legal concepts understandable to all, thereby fostering a more capable and well-informed citizenry.
