Request the residence top-up (minimums) on your INSS pension

What you need to have ready

1. Cl@ve, certificado digital or DNIe to access Tu Seguridad Social. Without one, you'll need a CAISS appointment.
2. DNI/NIE and, if you apply for cónyuge a cargo, your spouse's documents too.
3. Certificado de empadronamiento (histórico is best; empadronamiento conjunto if it's for cónyuge a cargo). This proves residence in Spain.
4. Income: last Declaración de la Renta or certificado de imputaciones from the AEAT and proofs of current pensions/income.
5. Libro de familia or certificado de matrimonio/pareja registrada if you go for cónyuge a cargo.
6. Bank account number (IBAN) where you receive the pension.

Documentation

1. DNI/NIE valid.
2. Resolución de tu pensión or expediente/NAF details.
3. Certificado de empadronamiento (histórico if you changed municipality) from the ayuntamiento.
4. IRPF: copy of the last Declaración de la Renta or certificado de imputaciones (AEAT).
5. Certificates of other pensions (Spanish/foreign) and proofs of other income (rent, interest, etc.).
6. Libro de familia or certificado de matrimonio/pareja registrada and certificado de convivencia if you apply for cónyuge a cargo.
7. Proofs of stays abroad if you've been out more than 90 days (to avoid surprises).

Step by step

1. Access Tu Seguridad Social: go to https://sede.seg-social.gob.es and sign in with Cl@ve, certificado or DNIe.
2. In «Tu pensión» > «Modificar/Comunicar datos», look for «Ingresos y residencia (complemento a mínimos)». Yes, it's a bit hidden.
3. Fill the income declaration for the current year: pensions, rents, interest… If claiming cónyuge a cargo, add their details and income.
4. Attach documents: empadronamiento, IRPF / certificado AEAT, certificates of other pensions, libro de familia / convivencia if needed.
5. Send and save the receipt. If they require anything, they'll notify you through the portal or by letter. Use «Aportar documentación» to upload missing items.
6. If you can't do it online: book cita previa at https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/wps/portal/sede/cita-previa and submit everything at the CAISS. They will stamp the application and it will be recorded.
7. Wait for the resolution: it usually takes a few weeks. When it arrives, check the updated amount in your bank and in Tu Seguridad Social. If you disagree, file a reclamación previa within 30 días hábiles.

Time-savers

1. Get an empadronamiento histórico at once: avoids requests for extra paperwork if you moved municipalities.
2. Get a certificado de imputaciones de la AEAT if you didn't file Renta (better than saying “I have nothing”).
3. If you ask for cónyuge a cargo, bring empadronamiento conjunto and certificado de matrimonio/pareja registrada; otherwise they'll stop the process.
4. Scan clearly: readable full PDFs. Poor scans end up as formal requests for clarification.
5. If you travel, track days abroad. More than 90 days a year without justification can cost you the complemento and trigger repayment.

Common mistakes that can ruin the application

1. Not declaring a “small” income (rent, interest, a foreign pension): when they cross-check with AEAT, you'll face a reintegro and suspension.
2. Outdated empadronamiento or registered in another municipality: without proving residence in Spain, there is no complemento.
3. Forgetting spouse documents when claiming cónyuge a cargo: automatic denial.
4. Not answering a requerimiento from INSS: they'll file the case or suspend the complemento.
5. Going abroad over 90 days without notice: suspension and repayment of amounts received.