Spain’s Public Employment Service (SEPE) has issued a notice to unemployed individuals who want to start working, but find that their salary won’t cover month-to-month expenses. The Social Security system offers a subsidy to help bridge this income gap. This support is available to anyone who is currently employed but earns below the legal minimum income.
For unemployed people who want to begin part-time employment with a private sector job, the unemployment subsidy can still be kept. The Social Security administration provides this option to anyone seeking to take this important step in order to reach the minimum income needed to cover monthly costs. SEPE aims to encourage active job searching by ensuring workers receive a fair wage through two separate payments.
How can someone do it?
The SEPE explains on its website the different circumstances in which unemployment benefits can be suspended or combined with earnings. According to the official guidelines, there are two main options:
- If the benefit was interrupted and the new contract lasts less than 360 days, upon contract completion the individual can request the reactivation of the suspended benefit.
- If the contract lasts 360 days or more, at its end a new benefit can be requested with the relevant contributions, or the person can choose to resume the previously interrupted benefit. If the latter is chosen, the contributions that would have counted toward the new, unclaimed benefit cannot be used for a later benefit.
To qualify for this benefit, two requirements are essential: start working part-time while receiving the benefit and stay registered as a job seeker during the period of employment. The only drawback of combining both payments is that the unemployment amount will be reduced. The reduction corresponds to the proportion of the working hours. If the subsidy has not been exhausted when the contract ends and a reactivation is requested, the full amount due will be paid again.
All of this applies to unemployed individuals who apply through the digital portal or at Social Security offices for the possibility of compatibility. SEPE will have the final say and determine how much money the unemployed person who chooses to work part-time will receive [Citation: SEPE policy page].