Finding yourself unemployed after 50 can be stressful, but there is support available. SEPE, the Public Employment Service, offers targeted assistance for people over 52 who do not have access to co-payment benefits. Eligible individuals can receive a monthly subsidy of 480 euros until they reach the official retirement age, provided they remain actively seeking work or training. If they secure a job, the aid ends early, but the option is there for those who need it while navigating the transition back into employment.
This program is designed to help a group that often faces challenges staying in the workforce due to age. The Ministry of Labor sets specific conditions to qualify for assistance. Primarily, the person must be actively looking for work. SEPE also notes that rejecting a job offer or a training course without a justified reason can lead to sanctions, emphasizing ongoing engagement in the labor market.
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To collect this aid, several obligations are set by the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy. The most important requirement is that the beneficiary actively searches for employment. SEPE also warns that sanctions may apply if a job offer or a training program to improve employability is refused without a valid reason. The penalties described below apply to those receiving the subsidy:
- three months of suspension in the initial absence of work or participation
- six months of suspension for repeated offenses
- complete termination of the right to subsidies after a third unjustified refusal to accept a job or a training course
These rules ensure that the aid reaches those who stay engaged with the labor market and use the program as a bridge to reentering work. Regular reporting and compliance are part of this framework, with oversight by the relevant employment authorities to prevent misuse and to adapt to changing employment conditions.
Subsidy-compatible help for people over 52 that you don’t know about
Recipients must also demonstrate that their earnings are limited. Specifically, income must stay below a certain threshold relative to the national minimum wage. An additional obligation is the annual tax return filing, which serves as a means to verify ongoing eligibility. The income tax declaration typically follows a set schedule, aligning with the entitlement date or the most recent resumption date. Delays or omissions in reporting can lead to reductions in subsidies or other financial adjustments, so timely compliance is essential. This requirement is part of the broader framework intended to maintain fairness and transparency in the distribution of support.
In practice, these provisions create a structured pathway for older workers to manage income, preserve benefits during a transition, and encourage continued activity in the job market. By balancing income limits, ongoing job search, and periodic reporting, the program aims to support sustainable reentry into employment while safeguarding public resources.
Note: All regulatory details are subject to updates by the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy. Beneficiaries are advised to consult official publications or speak with a SEPE representative to confirm current eligibility criteria and reporting requirements. [Citation: SEPE guidelines and Ministry of Labor notices].