Assistance for citizens aged 52 and over is a crucial support for individuals facing difficulties in the labor market. The subsidy for people over 52 is a financial benefit available to Spanish citizens who have reached this age and are unemployed. The goal of this subsidy is to provide monetary support until retirement, helping beneficiaries transition into this new phase of life with greater security.
To qualify for the subsidy, applicants must meet several criteria. These include:
-
Be 52 years of age or older.
-
Be registered as a job seeker.
-
Have contributed to Social Security for at least 15 years.
-
Meet the requirements to access a contribution-based pension, apart from age. In the past, beneficiaries had to opt for early retirement, but that is no longer mandatory, and workers may choose to retire when eligible or continue receiving benefits until reaching the official retirement age.
-
Have income not exceeding 75% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI), excluding Social Security contributions.
The subsidy amount depends on the IPREM (Public Revenue Indicator of Multiple Effects), which is typically updated each year and had not changed in 2024. Presently, beneficiaries of the 52-and-over subsidy receive 80% of IPREM, equivalent to 480 euros per month.
Additionally, the subsidy contributes to SSI for retirement. Currently, the subsidy’s contribution is 125% of the minimum base.
Join BİLGİ WhatsApp channel
Latest news on the 52-plus subsidy
Recent reforms to unemployment benefits have been in a period of uncertainty. On December 19, the Council of Ministers approved a reform that introduced changes to the subsidy for people over 52. The primary modifications touched access conditions. Previously, one condition was that income could not exceed 75% of the SMI, but the government’s reform proposal allows individuals with family responsibilities and a total family income within this limit to apply.
Among the most debated aspects of the reform was the adjustment of premium bases. This change drew opposition from some political groups in Las Cortes, casting doubt on how the subsidy will function going forward. The 2024 trajectory shows adjustments to the contribution base: 120% in 2025, 115% in 2025, 110% in 2026, and 105% in 2027, moving away from the prior 125% level.
Another significant change was the allowance for people aged 52 and over to combine the subsidy with employment for up to 180 days.
After the non-approval of Decree Law Congress 7/2023, there was a pause in changes, with measures announced by the government effectively frozen. No amendments to the 52-and-over subsidies were enacted at that time.
With the increase of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), discussions continued about subsidy reform. A working group with unions and social actors was to consider the reform, though the initial meeting was postponed. The agenda remains to be clarified, and updates will be announced as agreements are reached.