ASUNCION, Paraguay – Paraguay's Ministry of Social Development (MDS) announced on June 5, 2025, that 2,622 accounts assigned to beneficiaries of the elderly pension program have been suspended due to inactivity. This highlights the need for pension beneficiaries to regularly check and withdraw from their accounts.
Account Suspension Reasons and Relevant Regulations
According to the MDS, account suspensions apply to accounts with no transaction activity for more than 60 days. This measure considers the nature of monthly pension payments. Such action is in accordance with Article 10 of Presidential Decree No. 3139 of 2024, which implements Law No. 7322, effective May 17, 2024. The MDS stated that prolonged account inactivity suggests that beneficiaries no longer need the pension or are unable to receive it.
Furthermore, the MDS clarified who is excluded from the pension program. Those who own more than 30 head of cattle, are already receiving pensions or retirement benefits, are receiving active salaries, or are contributing to social insurance institutions (IPS) are excluded from receiving pension benefits. This measure aims to ensure that the pension program benefits truly needy elderly individuals.
Account Reactivation Procedure
Lourdes Riveros, head of the MDS Elderly Pension Program, explained that while account suspensions are automatic, they can be reversed. To reactivate an account, the beneficiary must submit a reintegration application (solicitud de reintegración) through the institutional reception desk and attach the necessary documents in digital format. According to Riveros, the account will be reactivated in the month following the completion of the application process.
Exceptionally, beneficiaries residing abroad for health reasons can justify their situation by submitting a certificate of life and residence (certificado de vida y residencia) issued by the National Police. This measure considers cases where regular account use is difficult due to overseas residency.
Inquiries and Important Notes
Beneficiaries can access the form to justify inactivity or make inquiries by contacting the WhatsApp number (0982) 542-917 or emailing mesadeentrada@mds.gov.py.
The MDS stated that pensions for the two months prior to account suspension will remain in the beneficiary's account. However, the pension for the month in which the account is suspended will not be paid, and the beneficiary will forfeit that month's payment. Riveros emphasized, "The beneficiary forfeits the pension for the month it is not paid, but if they apply for reintegration, the account will be reactivated from the following month." This means that beneficiaries must pay attention to account activity to ensure the continuity of their pension receipt.
The MDS urged all beneficiaries to keep their accounts active and to contact the institution immediately through active channels if any issues arise. This is crucial to avoid any disruptions in pension receipt.
Importance of Paraguay's Elderly Pension Program
Paraguay's elderly pension program is a vital social safety net that provides basic living support to the elderly population facing economic difficulties. This program provides monthly minimum living expenses to Paraguayan citizens aged 65 and older who do not receive pensions or retirement benefits, contributing to poverty reduction and improving the quality of life for the elderly. The MDS's recent action is part of an effort to enhance the program's efficiency and transparency, ensuring that benefits reach those who truly need them.
This account suspension incident reminds beneficiaries of the importance of clearly understanding their rights and obligations, regularly checking their accounts, and actively contacting the institution when necessary. This signifies the importance of mutual cooperation to ensure a stable life for Paraguay's elderly population.
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