Unemployed individuals aged 30 to 55 who have exhausted their unemployment benefits may have reason to smile. The Spanish Public Employment Service, SEPE, offers this group five distinct assistance programs that can collectively amount to nearly 500 euros per month in additional income.
To qualify for these aids, beneficiaries must meet a series of requirements. The primary rule is that those receiving these payments should not have monthly income exceeding 723.75 euros, which corresponds to 75% of the national minimum wage.
Family load allowance
Eligibility requires exhausting unemployment benefits and having dependent children or adults with a disability of 65% or more. In addition, recipients must sign an activity commitment. The duration of the family load allowance depends on the period for which contributory unemployment benefits were received and the applicant’s age:
- If the job seeker is under 45 and has claimed unemployment benefits for 4 months, they may receive this aid for 18 months.
- If under 45 and the unemployment spell exceeds 4 months, the aid can extend for 24 months.
- If over 45 and the unemployment spell is 4 months, the aid lasts 24 months.
- If over 45 and the unemployment spell exceeds 4 months, the aid can run for 30 months.
Subsidy for people with dependents
In addition to the above, applicants must have dependent children or a disability of 65% or more and must sign an activity commitment. The amount and duration vary by age and the length of the unemployment spell, with longer durations tied to longer periods of prior benefits, as described above.
Older workers subsidy (over 45)
Beyond the age criterion, to receive this subsidy applicants must not have family dependents. The subsidy is available for a maximum of six months and does not allow for extensions or renewals.
Subsidy for those over 52
Unemployed individuals aged 52 and older who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and have no other income may receive this subsidy, which amounts to 480 euros. Recent discussions in the national legislature have impacted potential changes to the subsidy level in 2024, and current rulings should be consulted for updates.
Active Insertion Income (RAI)
The RAI is accessible to those who have exhausted all previous aids and are under 52 years old. This subsidy can be claimed for up to 33 months, providing a bridge for those transitioning back into the workforce.
Extraordinary unemployment subsidy
The extraordinary unemployment subsidy targets individuals who have exhausted other aids, including the RAI, and meet additional conditions. It is available for a fixed period of six months with no extension.
Cited sources note that these programs are subject to policy changes and jurisdictional rules. For individuals in Canada or the United States seeking parallel supports, independent guidance from local employment agencies is recommended to understand equivalent benefits and eligibility criteria.