In this country, people who are unemployed can receive unemployment benefits for a defined period. The benefit amount depends on their contribution history, applying minimum and maximum bases according to how long they contributed. When this benefit runs out, there is one final support option available: the extraordinary unemployment benefit.
Applicants for this aid must have exhausted all other unemployment benefits, including regular benefits and any associated contributions or charitable allowances.
Another essential criterion is that the applicant must not earn more than 75% of the Monthly Interprofessional Minimum Wage. This helps make sure the aid reaches those who truly need it. It is not necessary to have previously benefited from this particular aid or to qualify for other unemployment programs; eligibility for unemployment benefits remains a fundamental condition for accessing this support.
Finally, applicants must not be old enough to receive a pension, must not have left their last job voluntarily, and must not be working part-time or have their employment contract suspended.
Duration and amount of extraordinary unemployment benefit
The extraordinary unemployment benefit lasts 180 days and can be claimed only once.
The aid amount equals 80% of the IPREM, currently €600 per month, resulting in a monthly payment of €480.
Payouts are made by the Public Employment Service in the month following the accrual of the qualifying month, typically between the 10th and 15th of the next month. Payments are transferred to the bank account provided by the applicant.
The SEPE guidance notes that as long as the worker continues to meet the income and family responsibilities requirements, they may receive the extraordinary unemployment benefit while also working part-time. In such cases, a rate proportional to time worked is deducted from the aid amount.
Documents required to apply for extraordinary unemployment benefits
To apply for this emergency unemployment aid, applicants must submit a dossier verifying identity, employment status, and economic situation.
To receive the benefit, the following documents are required:
- Official application form containing the activity agreement can be downloaded here.
- Identification of the applicant and any dependent children as reflected in the application. Spaniards must present their DNI; foreign residents must provide their EU citizen registration document or the Alien Identity Card (TIE), as applicable.
- Any bank document showing the account number where the benefit will be deposited.
- Family Book or Birth or Family Registration Certificate. For foreigners, an equivalent document with official translation into Spanish.
- If claiming for a disabled dependent child over 26 years old, a disability certificate and the recognized degree issued by INSS, IMSERSO, or the competent regional authority must be presented.
- If requested by the managing entity, an income certificate.
These documents ensure proper verification of identity, family responsibilities, and the financial situation to determine eligibility for the extraordinary unemployment benefit.