In Spain, the State Public Employment Service SEPE aims to provide financial support for people who are unemployed. A specific program offers an unemployment contribution along with the usual unemployment benefits. In some cases, individuals may not reenter the labor market, and a monthly aid of around 500 euros can be approved for up to 33 months under certain conditions.
This article explains the Asset Addition Income, known as aRAI, one of SEPE’s extraordinary subsidies that can be accessed once standard public assistance ends. RAI is a defined set of eligibility criteria designed to assist those who meet certain circumstances.
- Being a victim of sexual or domestic violence
- Being a returning immigrant
- Having a disability of 33 percent or more
- Being unemployed for an extended period and over 45 years old
What requirements does SEPE set for access to RAI?
It is important to note that at least two conditions must be met to qualify for this extraordinary assistance.
- Not having received this benefit more than three times
- Being younger than the normal retirement age, set at 65
- Demonstrate that monthly income is below 75 percent of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI)
- Be registered as a job seeker
- Not having taken RAI within the previous year
- Additionally, if there are dependents under 26, there is an obligation to manage and distribute the income among family members
- If a worker is unemployed and a returnee to Spain meets criteria, they can receive RAI if compliant
- Be a job seeker and sign the activity commitment
- Be over 45 years old and not yet at the retirement age
- Not having benefited from this assistance in the last year or more than three times
- Prove work outside Spain for at least six months and reside in the country for at least one year before applying
Such individuals may apply for RAI, provided they do not live with their attackers and are registered as a job seeker for a minimum of one year.
All unemployed people with a disability of 33 percent or more must prove the following:
- They have signed the activity commitment, and at least three months of work have occurred abroad, such as in the UAE
- They are registered as a job seeker for at least one year and have worked for at least three months
- They are not eligible for any other subsidy or assistance
- They must be over 45 years old
- They must have ended unemployment and be actively seeking work while having signed the activity commitment
- They must remain a job seeker for at least one year
What is the amount and duration of the payment?
SEPE specifies that the RAI amount for 2024 is 480 euros per month. By law, this payment represents 80 percent of the IPREM, or Public Multiple Impact Income Tax. Beneficiaries typically receive the funds between the 10th and 15th of each month. Regulations state that the subsidy is valid for eleven months, though the period can be extended to a maximum of three additional months under certain circumstances as outlined by the governing rules.
In practice, the program is designed to provide steady support during a transition period. Eligible individuals should maintain active job-seeking status and comply with any activity commitments while the subsidy is paid. The details above reflect the framework governing RAI as explained by SEPE guidance and related official publications cited in the program materials.
Sources for these requirements and amounts come from SEPE program descriptions and official notices, which outline the conditions for access and the duration of aid. For readers seeking the most current details, it is advised to consult the latest SEPE guidelines and local employment offices for any updates to eligibility rules or payment amounts.