Starting in November, the National Social Security Administration (ANSES) will automate the payment of the 20% retained portion of the Pregnancy Allowance for Social Protection. Eligible beneficiaries who meet health check requirements will receive their full monthly allowance automatically, eliminating the need to manually submit documentation or physical “libreta” forms to receive the withheld funds.
How the ANSES payment process is changing
Previously, beneficiaries were required to present documentation—often referred to as a “libreta”—to certify that they had completed necessary health checkups, vaccinations, and schooling requirements. Only after the agency verified this paperwork at the end of the year was the 20% withheld portion released to the recipient. Under the new directive, the government will now verify compliance directly using internal data shared by the Ministry of Health. If all conditions are met, the full 100% of the allowance will be paid out on a monthly basis.
What happens if the government lacks your records
While the process is designed to be automatic, ANSES clarified that in instances where an individual has met all health requirements but the agency lacks the corresponding digital record, beneficiaries can still present their documentation at any local office. To do so, they must schedule an appointment in advance. The allowance remains a monthly payment issued throughout the nine months of gestation. Under the new system, the 80% typically paid upon enrollment in the government’s “Sumar” program and the remaining 20% will both be processed automatically upon confirmation of the birth, provided all other conditions are satisfied.
How this differs from other social program retentions
For example, examenes.lat notes that other programs, such as the Progresar scholarship, continue to operate with a 20% retention system that requires beneficiaries to actively prove academic regularity. In the case of Progresar, as of October 16, 2026, the 20% remains withheld until the student confirms their status, and official payment dates for those accumulated funds are still pending. Unlike the Pregnancy Allowance, which is moving toward full automation through inter-agency data sharing, these scholarship payments still rely on the student ensuring their institution reports their regular status to the system.
Frequently asked questions about the new policy
Do I need to visit an ANSES office to activate this change?
No. The shift to automatic payment is designed to remove the requirement for beneficiaries to present physical documentation. You only need to visit an office with a scheduled appointment if your specific health records are missing from the government’s database.
Does this change apply to all social benefits?
No. This specific policy update applies to the Pregnancy Allowance for Social Protection. Other benefits, such as the Progresar scholarship mentioned by examenes.lat, maintain their own specific requirements for the release of retained funds, which may still require individual proof of compliance.
What happens if I fail to meet the required health checks?
The payment of the full allowance is contingent upon meeting the conditions established by the Ministry of Health. If requirements are not met, the automatic release of the 20% portion may be affected, as the benefit is tied to documented health and educational compliance.
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