Senior Return: how to claim your $300 or $400 credit before October 14

If you are 65 or older, or a low-income pensioner, there is government money waiting for you —but you have to file to claim it. Puerto Rico's Treasury Department (Hacienda) has already paid out more than $57.4 million in credits through the so-called Senior Return, and the window to claim yours stays open until October ¹².

What it is and how much

The Senior Return (Form 481.1) is a compensatory credit Hacienda pays once a year. There are two amounts ²³:

• $400 for people 65 or older as of the close of tax year 2025.
• $300 for low-income pensioners.

It is not a loan or an advance —it is money you do not pay back.

How much has been paid so far

As of July 17, Hacienda reported it had disbursed $57.4 million to 123,111 beneficiaries, after processing 129,382 applications ¹. The most recent payment was nearly $29.7 million ¹. Last year about 190,000 people filed, so thousands still have not claimed what is theirs ¹.

Who qualifies

For the $400 credit ²³:

• Be 65 or older as of December 31, 2025.
• Gross income no higher than $15,000 a year ($30,000 for married couples).
• Did not claim the Work Credit on your 2025 return.
• Were not claimed as a dependent by someone else.

The $300 credit is for low-income pensioners who meet the income requirements ³.

What it means for you

If you are an older adult or a pensioner —or care for one in your family— this is $300 or $400 straight into your pocket that many leave on the table every year by not filing. Filing is electronic and mandatory, so if you do not use SURI, the easiest route is to ask a relative for help or go to a Hacienda service fair ³⁴.

How to file, step by step

1. Log in to SURI (suri.hacienda.pr.gov) and look for Form 481.1 ⁴.
2. Have a photo ID showing your date of birth (driver's license or senior ID) ³.
3. If you receive Social Security, keep your SSA-1099 form handy ¹.
4. If you cannot do it online, find the nearest service fair; Hacienda runs them across municipalities from 8:00am to 3:00pm ¹.
5. File before October 14, 2026 —nothing is accepted after that date ².

What's next

Hacienda keeps setting up fairs across the island throughout the filing period; next week it visits Guayanilla, Arroyo, Vieques and Aibonito, among others ¹. The earlier you file, the faster the payment arrives: deposits began July 2 and keep going out in batches ¹. If you qualify, do not leave it to the last minute.