The right to a minimum subsistence level and the challenges of non-contributory social protection for old age in Colombia

Abstract

This article analyzes the non-contributory social protection system in Colombia from the perspective of the fundamental right to a minimum living wage for old age. Using a qualitative methodology and a hermeneutic approach, it analyzes non-contributory pension systems, the regulatory scope of the minimum living wage, and the main challenges to effectively guaranteeing a dignified old age. The findings show that, despite legislative advances, program coverage remains insufficient and the amounts allocated are unable to meet the basic needs of the older population, especially those who have been excluded from the contributory pension system. The analysis highlights the importance of non-contributory and universal systems as instruments for guaranteeing rights, based on the notion of social citizenship. However, it identifies persistent limitations in terms of financial sustainability, benefit adequacy, and population coverage. The conclusion is that it is impossible to move toward a more inclusive, comprehensive, and universal social protection model, in which access to the minimum living wage in old age is recognized as a fundamental right, regardless of employment history or the targeting of care.