With a significant move on the table, the Ministry of Labor is discussing a higher Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). This change would impact not only active workers but also the conditions under which unemployment benefits from SEPE are accessed. If the proposal sets the SMI between 1,112 and 1,200 euros monthly, it could open a new pathway for managing unemployment and its aid programs.
What does this mean for SEPE beneficiaries?
SEPE, the agency that administers various unemployment benefits, faces new realities as the SMI discussion intensifies. A higher SMI would raise the income threshold that determines eligibility for subsidies. At present, access is limited to 75% of the SMI, excluding extraordinary payments. Consequently, a higher SMI translates into a higher income cap for benefit recipients, altering who can qualify for assistance.
The numbers behind SEPE unemployment benefits
Under the current framework, with the SMI set lower, the threshold hovers around €810 per month. An increase to €1,112 would lift this limit to approximately €834. If the SMI reaches €1,200, the SEPE unemployment benefit cap would move toward €900 per month. These shifts are critical for those seeking support, because surpassing the threshold could mean losing eligibility for benefits.
Will the SMI increase affect the amount received in unemployment benefits?
A common question is whether raising the SMI will directly change the amount paid through SEPE unemployment benefits. The impact is tied to the IPREM, the Public Income Indicator of Employment, which is updated annually. As 2024 budget considerations unfold, observers await whether IPREM will rise and, in turn, influence SEPE subsidies.
Among the key stakeholders, groups like the Employers’ Union, CCOO, UGT, CEOE and Cepyme have expressed varied views on the scale of the SMI increase. The negotiations attract close attention from workers and beneficiaries alike because the outcomes influence daily living conditions for many who rely on unemployment support.
Join BİLGİ WhatsApp channel
Changes to the SMI and its impact on SEPE unemployment benefits carry substantial significance. Recipients of this aid should monitor developments to understand how their financial situation could evolve. SEPE, in its role of supporting the unemployed, is expected to offer guidance and resources to help navigate these changes.