Clarifications from Colpensiones leave out some retirees from the end-of-year payment
The Colombian public pension fund Colpensiones has confirmed important changes to the mesada 13 colpensiones, commonly known as the prima de Navidad (Christmas bonus). The agency announced that not all pensioners will receive the extra December payment this year, sparking concern among thousands of retirees who were expecting the benefit.
According to an official statement cited by El Cronista, the mesada 13 colpensiones will be paid automatically in the first half of December to those who meet the legal requirements. However, individuals who have received a refund of contributions (devolución de aportes) — instead of a formally recognized pension — will not be eligible for the extra payment.
What the Law Says About the Mesada 13 Colpensiones
The additional payment is regulated under Article 50 of Law 100 of 1993, which mandates that all pensioners who receive a legally recognized pension — whether for old age, disability, or survivorship — are entitled to an extra full month’s pension in December.
This mesada 13 is equivalent to one regular monthly pension and is designed to provide financial relief during the holiday season. The payment is made automatically by Colpensiones, without requiring any additional paperwork, as long as the pensioner’s personal and banking information is up to date.
Who Will Receive the Mesada 13 in December 2025
Colpensiones reiterated that only those who are officially recognized as pensioners under the vejez (old-age), invalidez (disability), or sobrevivencia (survivorship) categories will receive the payment.
This includes:
- Retirees who have completed the minimum contribution weeks and age requirements (62 years for men and 57 years for women).
- Individuals currently receiving a formal monthly pension from Colpensiones.
- Survivors or dependents who receive a recognized pensión de sobrevivencia.
Payments will be made directly to each pensioner’s registered bank account. The agency also urged recipients to verify their banking details before December 10 to avoid delays in receiving the mesada 13 colpensiones.
Who Is Excluded from the Mesada 13 Colpensiones
A large group of individuals will not receive the Christmas bonus this year. According to Colpensiones, anyone who received a “devolución de aportes” (refund of contributions) is automatically excluded from the mesada 13.
This situation typically applies to people who contributed to the pension system for several years but did not accumulate enough weeks to qualify for a formal pension. In such cases, their contributions were refunded as a lump-sum payment, effectively removing them from the pension system’s ongoing benefits.
Colpensiones clarified that since these individuals do not have an officially recognized pension, they are not legally entitled to the 13th payment.
Additionally, pensioners whose data or bank accounts are outdated or inactive may also face temporary payment suspensions until their information is verified.
What Is the Purpose of the Mesada 13
The mesada 13 colpensiones is commonly referred to as the prima de Navidad because it’s paid during the holiday season. For most retirees, it provides much-needed financial support to cover year-end expenses.
Introduced as part of the social welfare framework in the early 1990s, the benefit is a symbol of Colombia’s commitment to ensuring economic stability for its older citizens. However, as fiscal pressures grow, the government and Colpensiones have emphasized the need to maintain the program’s financial sustainability — which partly explains the current restrictions.
Colpensiones’ Official Statement
In its public announcement, Colpensiones thanked beneficiaries for their patience and understanding, emphasizing that the agency remains committed to fairness and transparency.
“The mesada 13 will continue to be paid to all pensioners with formally recognized benefits. Those who received refunds of contributions are not considered active pensioners under the law and therefore are excluded,” the statement said.
Colpensiones also reminded all pensioners to keep their personal and contact information up to date through the Mi Colpensiones online portal to ensure timely payments.
What Pensioners Should Do Now
If you are unsure about your eligibility for the mesada 13 colpensiones, Colpensiones recommends contacting its official helpline or visiting a service center before December 1, 2025. Pensioners can also log in to their personal profile on the Colpensiones website to confirm payment dates and bank details.
Experts advise pensioners to avoid scams or fake intermediaries promising to “re-activate” payments in exchange for fees — Colpensiones handles all processes directly and does not charge for assistance.
Final Thoughts
The updated rules for the mesada 13 colpensiones have clarified who qualifies for the Christmas payment this year. While most retirees will still receive their extra December income, those who previously withdrew their pension contributions will be excluded.
This policy underscores the importance of maintaining active and formal pension status within Colombia’s public system.
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