The universal nature of the new pensions system has enabled the poorest 60 per cent of the population to receive a monthly pension of $75.000 (US $ 138), the value of the old-age solidarity pension. This research paper assesses the impact of the basic old-age solidarity pension on older persons living in Valparaíso in the 18 months since the new pensions system was first introduced in 2008. Its impact is measured by analysing changes in the score obtained by the family group in the Social Protection Form and Survey. This score is applied to households to understand changes in consumption habits, household relationships, intergenerational solidarity, social community network integration, levels of self-esteem and beneficiaries’ perceptions of their quality of life.