Contributors in Spain they are entitled to some form of assistance or assistance for at least three months known as insufficient contribution subsidy. This benefit is designed to provide temporary financial support to people who are unemployed and contributing to the social security system for a short period of time, more specifically less than one year.
Who can get this help?
One of the most frequently asked questions by workers is whether we can receive unemployment benefits if we work less than a year. The answer is no but yes they can access subsidy for unemployment. In this case we are talking about subsidies for insufficient contributions.
The conditions set by the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) to receive this unemployment benefit are:
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To be unemployed and in case of legal unemployment.
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To be registered as a job seeker and maintain such registration for the period in which the subsidy is received.
- If you have family responsibilities, you must have contributed to unemployment benefits for at least three months, otherwise six months, before reaching the 360-day contribution limit. If you have contributed for 360 days, you are entitled to contribution allowance.
- Do not earn any income exceeding 75% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI)excluding the pro rata portion of the two extraordinary payments. Currently the monthly SMI is 1,080 euros and the annual SMI is 15,120 euros in 14 payments.
Aid amount and duration
The monthly subsidy amount is equal to 80% of the Multiple Impact Public Income Indicator (IPREM), currently €600; hence an unemployed person will receive monthly for this subsidy. 480 euros.
In case of loss of part-time work, the amount will be received in proportion to the hours worked in the last contract. At the time of receipt of the subsidy, SEPE will pay Social Security contributions corresponding to health benefits and family protection, if any.
The duration of the subsidy will depend on the number of months of contribution and whether you have family responsibilities:
- If you have family responsibilities:
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The subsidy will last for 3, 4 or 5 months respectively if you have contributed for 3, 4 or 5 months.
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If you have contributed for 6 months or more, the benefit will last for 21 months (in which case the entitlement will be granted for six months and may be extended for periods of 6 months until its final duration).
- If you have no family responsibilities: If you have contributed for 6 months or more, the benefit will last for 6 months.
How to apply for subsidy for insufficient contributions?
To apply for the subsidy you must submit the application Within 15 business days from the day following the legal unemployment status. The request can be made through the SEPE electronic headquarters, by appointment at the assistance office, at any public registry office or by administrative mail.
In summary, people who have paid premiums for at least three months in Spain and meet the specified conditions can access this unemployment benefit. It is a social protection measure that aims to alleviate the economic situation of people who lose their jobs and contribute to the social security system, even for a short time.