When is the 2026 aguinaldo paid? Dates for pensioners, public and private sector
2026 aguinaldo payment dates in Costa Rica: CCSS pensioners on November 28, public sector and Jupema on December 4, and the private sector by December 20 at the latest.
The aguinaldo (Costa Rica's mandatory Christmas bonus) doesn't arrive on the same day for everyone. CCSS pensioners get it first, then public employees, and private companies have until December 20. These are the 2026 aguinaldo payment dates in Costa Rica.
2026 aguinaldo payment dates
| Who | Date |
|---|---|
| CCSS pensioners (IVM and non-contributory scheme) | Saturday, November 28 |
| Public sector (salaries paid by Hacienda) | Friday, December 4 |
| Teachers' pension fund (Jupema) | Friday, December 4 |
| Private sector | By Sunday, December 20 at the latest |
Autonomous institutions and municipalities may have their own schedule: check with your human resources office.
CCSS pensioners
The CCSS will deposit the aguinaldo on Saturday, November 28, together with the regular pension payment. It applies to pensioners in the Disability, Old Age and Death (IVM) scheme and the non-contributory scheme.
Private sector: by December 20
Private companies must pay it by December 20 at the latest. This year that date falls on a Sunday, so many pay earlier. If you haven't received it by December 21, you can ask or file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor (MTSS).
How much do you get?
The aguinaldo is the sum of your gross salaries from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2026, divided by 12. No CCSS contributions or income tax are deducted; it can only be garnished for child support. Work out yours with our aguinaldo calculator and read the full guide: how much you get and when it's paid.
Before you spend it
- The marchamo is due December 31; if it's too much at once, see the interest-free installment options.
- If you plan to shop on Black Friday, review your rights as a consumer.
- If you have high-interest debt, paying part of it usually pays off more than any discount.
This article is for information only. The dates are the ones announced by the CCSS, the Ministry of Finance and Jupema as reported by the press; confirm them with your institution or employer.