SEPE Subsidy for 52+ Unemployed

Important update from SGK for self-employed workers: eligibility up to six times per year

This benefit remains accessible to individuals who, after reaching a certain age, are no longer eligible for unemployment payments, supplementary unemployment benefits, or extraordinary unemployment aids. It can be drawn indefinitely until retirement age, at which point the pension begins automatically.

Eligibility criteria for the subsidy for those aged 52 and older

According to the Public State Employment Service’s (SEPE) official site, applicants must satisfy the following conditions to receive this aid:

1. They must be currently unemployed.

2. They must be aged 52 years or older at the date the subsidy criteria are met.

3. They must be registered as job seekers for one month after the end of the unemployment benefit being received, and remain registered for as long as the subsidy is paid.

4. They must commit to the activity obligation outlined in the grant application.

5. They must have no personal income of any kind exceeding 75% of the minimum interprofessional salary in the monthly calculation. If this requirement is not met at the time of the triggering event, the subsidy may still be accessed if it is met and verified within one year from that date.

6. They must confirm all requirements are fulfilled except for age to access any type of contributed pension, meaning they must have paid pension premiums for 15 years, two of which are within the last 15 years. In addition, they must have paid unemployment benefits for at least 6 years during their working life.

These guidelines help determine the right to receive the subsidy for those who have reached midlife, ensuring a safety net while they pursue new employment opportunities.

SEPE: Benefits for the unemployed aged between 30 and 55

The SEPE program also outlines support for job seekers in the 30–55 age range, detailing specific benefits and eligibility rules intended to assist in reentry into the labor market and to maintain income stability during job transitions.

Increase in support for citizens over the age of 52

The monthly subsidy amount for people aged 52 and older is set at 80% of the IPREM, the Multiple Impact Public Revenue Indicator. In 2022, this amounted to 463.21 euros per month. Positive changes were announced for 2023, with the monthly payment rising to 480 euros, providing an additional 16.79 euros per month for beneficiaries.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to adjust social protection in line with living costs and to extend support to those who have spent many years contributing to the labor market.

Good news for retirees: What to know about the additional income you may receive

SEPE notes that the aid is disbursed in monthly installments, typically between the 10th and 15th of the month following the qualifying month. This schedule helps recipients plan finances with a predictable payment window, supporting consistent budgeting during retirement planning or transition periods.

In practical terms, the subsidy acts as a bridge for older workers who face employment gaps, helping they to maintain a stable income while they explore new opportunities or prepare for retirement. The program’s design emphasizes gradual, reliable support rather than sudden, short-term relief, aligning with broader social protection strategies.