FOMAG clarifies how to inherit, re-settle, and expedite teacher pensions: procedures, timelines, and requirements explained step by step.

In its news program "Conexión FOMAG," the Teachers' Social Benefits Fund addressed the most frequently asked questions from teachers and pensioners in Colombia regarding pension replacements, recalculations, and access to additional monthly payments. Carlos Cortés, director of economic benefits, was responsible for answering teachers' concerns.

Since the implementation of the new care model in 2023, FOMAG has recorded an increase in the number of pension cases resolved.

"We went from 600 to 2,000 pensions recognized per month. The change has been structural, with a regionalization of the process and greater communication with the 97 education secretariats," Cortés explained. This progress has cleared 10,000 backlogged applications, leaving only 700 pending by June 2025.

Is a pension inherited? Replacement and survivor's pensions

One of the most common concerns is whether pensions are inherited. Cortés clarified that technically they are not inherited, but rather substituted. If the deceased teacher was already retired, his or her spouse, permanent partner, or children can receive a substitute pension. Children are only eligible if they are under 18, in school (up to 25), or have a certified disability.

If the teacher was not yet retired at the time of death, the survivors' pension scheme applies, with the same potential beneficiaries. The specific requirements depend on the current pension system, such as Law 91 of 1989, and the length of service.

Regarding the processing time for replacement or survivor's pensions, it is essential to have an up-to-date death certificate , as well as documents proving the relationship with the deceased teacher.

When the documents are complete from the start, the process can be completed in less than four months. However, if there are inconsistencies in the documentation—for example, the children's lack of schooling or problems with the couple's declaration of cohabitation—the process can be considerably longer.

The 14th pension is awarded to teachers who retired before June 25, 2005. Photo: iStock

Pension recalculation

Regarding the delay in the recalculations, Cortés explained that the process is legally complex, but a plan is in place to prioritize cases.

By law, territorial entities have four months to recognize the right, and FOMAG another two months to include the beneficiary on the payroll ; in other words, the process should take six months. "When this deadline is exceeded, we prioritize the oldest cases to avoid backlogs," he stated.

In addition to individual applications, FOMAG has detected cases in which many teachers from the same region present inconsistencies in the initially settled amounts.

Therefore, in partnership with the education secretariats, regional technical committees have been developed to review groups of cases using unified criteria. This strategy not only streamlines procedures but also reduces the possibility of administrative errors and promotes equity among beneficiaries.

Monthly allowance 14: Who is entitled to it and why might they stop receiving it?

Monthly allowance 14 is granted to teachers who retired before June 25, 2005, and to some who retired until July 31, 2011, provided their income does not exceed three times the current legal monthly minimum wage.

If a person crosses this threshold due to an increase in the minimum wage or a recalculation, they may lose their right to payment. "The 14th monthly payment seeks to compensate for the loss of purchasing power and does not apply to all pensioners," the official said.

Cousin of Law 91

One of the notable new developments was the recognition, for the first time in decades, of the mid-year bonus for teachers covered by Law 91 of 1989.

According to Article 15 of that law, teachers who do not have a grace pension can receive this bonus, equivalent to an additional monthly payment . The Pension Management and Parafiscal Contributions Unit (UGPP) is responsible for determining whether a person is eligible for a grace pension, which affects their entitlement to this bonus.

Cortés concluded with a call to teachers: “Constantly check the Humano en Línea application. Do not give passwords to third parties, and complete all procedures directly or through the education departments.”

The FOMAG website and the platforms of the 97 territorial entities are the official sources for initiating pension processes, preventing fraud, and ensuring that rights are recognized in a timely manner.