The unemployment subsidy for individuals over 52, a key support provided by the Public Employment Service, SEPE, could undergo meaningful changes starting January 1, 2024. This aid is designed to offer temporary relief while exploring new opportunities, and its fate is closely tied to the country’s economic decisions and political climate. Recently, discussions have focused on adjusting payment levels and eligibility criteria, with the aim of delivering reforms to those who need them most. Specifically, attention has turned to how indexing the aid to the Public Indicator of Multiuse Income, IPREM, might redefine the framework for unemployment-related subsidies. This index serves as a threshold for various benefits, and any variation directly affects both the amount of assistance and the pool of beneficiaries. In practice, an IPREM increase would broaden the calculation base for the subsidy, potentially raising either the monthly amount, the duration, or both, to preserve purchasing power for the unemployed. Regardless of the scenario, the size of the adjustment remains a central topic of debate among authorities and affected groups. [Cita: SEPE]
Today, the subsidy for those over 52 stands at 80% of the IPREM, equating to 480 euros per month for beneficiaries while they remain unemployed or up to retirement age. This figure is set to be reviewed if a reference update is enacted. The relationship between IPREM and unemployment income isn’t isolated: it tracks economic trends, inflation, and social policies aimed at preventing poverty among the jobless. In an economy with fluctuating prices, even a modest revaluation can produce a multiplier effect by boosting the purchasing power of a segment reliant on these aids to maintain a stable living baseline. [Cita: Ministerio de Trabajo]
Regarding a potential increase in the 2024 subsidy for those aged 52 and older, both the head of government, Pedro Sánchez, and Vice President Yolanda Díaz indicated during the investiture debate that increases to IPREM and the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (MSI) are expected in the forthcoming legislature. The exact amount has not yet been specified. It is reasonable to expect these measures to be linked to social protection advances and efforts to strengthen safety nets for workers. The confirmation of figures may require budget approvals and political party negotiations, but the central objective is to broaden access to support for those who depend on it. [Cita: Gobierno]
The rise in the Minimum Interprofessional Salary, also influenced by the IPC or inflation, could positively affect the unemployment subsidy for people over 52. One SEPE requirement is that recipients demonstrate zero income above a 75% threshold of the MSI per month. With an IPC revaluation, that threshold could rise, allowing more unemployed individuals aged 52 or older to qualify for the subsidy. This change would directly impact those who temporarily lose employment and must live on a fixed income for housing, food, and transport. In this context, the policy aims not only to alleviate vulnerability but also to encourage a more efficient return to the labor market. [Cita: Instituto Nacional de Estadística]
The potential IPREM and MSI increases in 2024 point to an elevated subsidy amount for those over 52 and a larger pool of eligible beneficiaries. These changes could significantly affect the lives of people who rely on the benefit and reflect government efforts to address the economic needs of the unemployed. The implementation analysis considers the possibility that revaluation could improve access conditions and sustain social protection during periods of unemployment. At the same time, the update could motivate beneficiaries to pursue training and employment opportunities, maintaining safety nets for individuals facing work-related challenges. [Cita: Espacio Social]