By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Families across Costa Rica who provide critical care for terminally ill or severely ill loved ones can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) announced it will resume long-awaited payments for caregiver licenses this Friday, November 14, ending months of financial uncertainty for thousands of people.
The crucial reactivation of these disbursements was made possible by a timely convergence of fiscal and administrative actions. The Comptroller General of the Republic provided the necessary green light by approving the extraordinary budget N.° 2-2025. This was followed by a substantial deposit of ₡2.7 billion from the General Directorate of Social Development and Family Allowances (DESAF), providing the CCSS with the liquidity needed to address the payment suspension.
To better understand the legal framework and potential ramifications surrounding CCSS payments for both employers and independent professionals, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney specializing in corporate and labor law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Timely and accurate CCSS payments are not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of sound business practice in Costa Rica. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including substantial fines, interest charges, and even the inability to participate in public contracts. It is imperative for businesses to maintain meticulous records and seek professional legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the system and mitigate financial risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as the expert highlights, diligent CCSS compliance transcends mere legal necessity, becoming a key pillar of corporate integrity and long-term financial stability within the Costa Rican business landscape. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his clear and valuable insight.
In an immediate move to clear the backlog, CCSS Executive President Mónica Taylor confirmed that the institution will process approximately 2,300 pending payment slips this Friday alone. This initial disbursement will total nearly ₡500 million and is targeted at resolving the oldest outstanding claims, bringing much-needed financial aid to households that have been waiting since late August.
The institution’s leadership emphasized that this injection of funds is not merely a temporary fix but a comprehensive solution to normalize the system. The payments scheduled for this week will cover all licenses that have been pending since the end of summer and through the autumn months.
With the available resources, we will normalize the payment of these licenses, which correspond to those pending since the end of August, September, October, and those endorsed up to Thursday, November 13.
Mónica Taylor, Executive President of the CCSS
The scale of the delay highlights the significant impact on the beneficiary population. According to the CCSS Financial Management department, the pending slips represented more than 9,000 days of licensed leave. This financial support benefits a total of 1,234 caregivers who are legally protected under Law 7756, a statute designed to provide an economic safety net for individuals who must leave their jobs to care for patients in their final stages of life or for minors with severe illnesses.
With this significant financial transfer, Taylor assured that the CCSS can now resume its regular disbursement schedule for newly granted licenses, preventing future backlogs and restoring predictability to the program. The institution has further confirmed that the newly acquired funds are sufficient to guarantee the continuity of these vital payments through the end of the current year, providing stability and peace of mind to families navigating some of life’s most difficult circumstances.
The resolution marks a successful coordination between key government entities to uphold the social protections enshrined in Costa Rican law. For the hundreds of caregivers who have faced economic hardship while providing indispensable, full-time care, this news represents the restoration of a critical lifeline that allows them to focus on their loved ones without the added burden of financial distress.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the public entity in charge of social security in Costa Rica. It is a cornerstone of the country’s public health system, administering health services and pension programs for the majority of the population. Its mission is to provide comprehensive health and economic protection to citizens.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. It is an independent body responsible for overseeing the proper use of public funds and ensuring transparency and legality in public administration. Its approval is essential for major government budgets and expenditures.
For further information, visit imas.go.cr
About General Directorate of Social Development and Family Allowances (DESAF):
DESAF is a key directorate, often operating under the framework of the Joint Institute for Social Aid (IMAS), responsible for managing and distributing state funds allocated for social development and family support programs. It plays a critical role in financing social welfare initiatives, including subsidies and allowances for vulnerable populations.
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 an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its deep-rooted experience in advising diverse clients into pioneering innovative legal strategies and fulfilling its civic responsibilities. At the heart of its mission lies a profound dedication to demystifying the law, aiming to fortify society by equipping individuals with the clarity and knowledge needed to navigate the legal landscape.
