The IGSS survivor pension (pension por sobrevivencia) provides ongoing financial support to the family members of a deceased IGSS-affiliated worker. This pension is one of the most important benefits of the IVS program, ensuring that the death of a worker who contributed to social security does not leave their spouse and children without income. The pension is paid monthly to eligible beneficiaries for as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
To qualify, the deceased worker must have accumulated at least 36 months of IGSS contributions within the last 6 years before their death. Eligible beneficiaries include the surviving spouse, minor children under 18, children with permanent disabilities regardless of age, and parents who were economically dependent on the deceased. The pension is divided among all eligible beneficiaries according to IGSS rules, and each beneficiary must prove their relationship through official documentation.
This benefit is particularly important for families of Guatemalan workers who passed away while the family or parts of the family were abroad. Many Guatemalans in the United States have family members in Guatemala who contributed to IGSS. If that family member passes away, the surviving spouse and children in the US or Guatemala may be entitled to a survivor pension.
Quick summary: Survivor pension requires the deceased to have had 36+ months of IGSS contributions in the last 6 years. Eligible beneficiaries: spouse, minor children, disabled children, dependent parents. Application is free. Processing: 1-3 months.
Information verified March 2026.
Eligible Beneficiaries
| Beneficiary | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse | Legal marriage or recognized union |
| Minor children | Under 18 years of age |
| Disabled children | Any age, with permanent disability |
| Dependent parents | Must prove economic dependence on the deceased |
Requirements
- DPI of the beneficiary(ies)
- Death certificate (certificacion de defuncion) from RENAP
- DPI of the deceased (or copy)
- Marriage certificate or proof of union (for spouse)
- Birth certificates proving parentage (for children)
- Formulario IVS-102 (deceased’s employment history)
- Contribution records of the deceased
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain death certificate from RENAP
- Verify the deceased had 36+ months of IGSS contributions in the last 6 years
- Gather proof of relationship — marriage certificate, birth certificates
- Complete formulario IVS-102 with the deceased’s employment history
- Submit at IVS offices with all required documentation
- IGSS reviews and calculates the pension amount
- Pension payments begin to approved beneficiaries
From the US (Diaspora Info)
- Family members in the US can claim through a representative in Guatemala using a poder especial
- Gather documentation in advance: death certificate, marriage/birth certificates, and the deceased’s IGSS affiliation number
- RENAP can issue certified copies of birth and marriage certificates needed for the application
- The process is free — do not pay intermediaries
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Act promptly after the death. While there is no strict deadline that would eliminate your right to the pension, delays in claiming mean lost months of payments.
- Obtain all relationship documents (marriage, birth certificates) from RENAP with recent dates. IGSS may reject old or damaged certificates.
- If the deceased was not formally married, the surviving partner may still qualify through a recognized union (union de hecho), but this requires proof.
- Each beneficiary needs their own documentation. If there are multiple children, each needs their own birth certificate proving parentage.