A significant part of the workforce in Colombia is ceasing to receive direct economic aid to which it is entitled by law. The reason is not lack of funds, but ignorance. Family Compensation Funds (such as Compensar, Colsubsidio, Cafam, Comfama, among others) administer subsidies that many members do not claim, simply because they do not know that they qualify or for not updating a document in time.
If you are a dependent or independent worker who contributes to a Fund, review the following list. You likely have money or benefits “frozen” waiting to be claimed.
1. The monthly money that many forget to collect (Monetary Fee)
This is the most common subsidy and, paradoxically, one of the most wasted due to lack of paperwork. This is a monthly cash payment for each dependent.
How much is it? By 2025, the fee ranges between $66,000 and $104,000 per month per beneficiary, depending on the department (it increases by 15% if you are a rural worker).
The common mistake: Many workers register their children when they are born, but forget that the benefit is extended or changed.
Children: It is paid up to the age of 18, but from the age of 12 it is mandatory to present the study certificate each year. If you do not bring it, the Fund suspends the payment.
Parents: If you have parents over 60 years of age who depend on you financially and do not receive a pension, you can enroll them and receive a fee for them.
Siblings or family members with disabilities: No age limit, and in many cases they receive a double quota.
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2. Unemployment “insurance” (Unemployment Protection)
More than a subsidy, it is a lifeline that many ignore when they lose their job. It is not automatic; must apply.
The benefit: If you lose your job, the Compensation Fund can pay your health and pension for 6 months. Additionally, depending on your category, you can receive an economic transfer of 1.5 minimum wages divided into 4 decreasing payments.
Key requirement: Have contributed to a Fund (continuously or discontinuously) for 1 year in the last 3 years.
3. Housing: the “concurrence” that doubles the aid
The housing subsidy of the Savings Banks is known, but what many ignore is the concurrence of subsidies.
How does it work? You can add the subsidy from your Compensation Fund with the Mi Casa Ya subsidy from the Government.
The figure: If your income is less than 2 minimum wages, by adding both benefits you could receive up to 50 minimum wages (more than $60 million pesos) for the down payment on your home. Many only apply to one of the two due to ignorance.
4. Educational vouchers and school kits
At the beginning of the year (current season), the Funds provide in-kind subsidies or vouchers for school supplies.
Forgetfulness: Many families do not claim these kits on the stipulated dates and lose the annual benefit. It usually applies to children between 5 and 12 years old.
What should you do today?
Don’t assume that “your company takes care of it.” The management of beneficiaries is the responsibility of the worker.
Enter the website or app of your Compensation Fund.
Look for the “Family Group” or “Affiliations” section.
Check if you have “pending drafts” (accumulated money that you have not collected). The Boxes have deadlines; If time passes (usually 3 years), the money expires.
Batteries then! The subsidies that are given in the country in December and that almost everyone can claim