The State Public Employment Service (SEPE) will deny the subsidy for those over 52 years of age to unemployed people who, at the time of requesting aid, have not had contributions for at least six years due to unemploymentas regulated by article 280 of the General Social Security Law (LGSS). In this sense, the SEPE website itself explains that Unemployment contributions are not the same as Social Security contributionswhich can lead to confusion and is the reason why many unemployed people are denied unemployment benefits.
In this sense, all jobs carried out as an employed person, included in the General Social Security Regime, in the Special Agrarian System or in the Maritime Workers Regime, and also training contracts, contribute towards unemployment.
Knowing this, it can be said that, for example, the autonomous handlers who have contributed only under this regime they could not accesssince the RETA (Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers) does not contribute towards unemployment. Although this is the case right now, it should be said that the government is working so that the self-employed can also access the subsidy for unemployed people over 52 years of age.
The subsidy for people over 52 years of age is one of the most advantageous benefits managed by the State Public Employment Service. With a monthly amount equivalent to 80% of the Multiple Effects Public Income Indicator (IPREM), which is currently 480 euros monthlythis aid is aimed at unemployed people who meet certain specific requirements, including having contributed to unemployment benefits for at least six years.
The good thing and what makes it unique is that this subsidy is maintained until retirement age and also contributes to the contributory pension. Now, to access this it is necessary to be unemployed, demonstrate economic vulnerability and meet certain requirements, which are more demanding than for other aid.
Subsidy requirements
For apply for the subsidy for those over 52 years of ageyou must be legally unemployed and registered as a job seeker with the SEPE. On the other hand, in order to receive this aid, the applicant’s monthly income must not exceed 75% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI), excluding extraordinary payments. In 2024, this amount is set at 850.50 euros per month. In addition, it is necessary to meet the specific requirements that are the following:
- Have the necessary contributions to access the Social Security contributory retirement pension. This is having 15 years of contributions and two of them within the last fifteen years.
- Have contributed for at least 6 years for unemployment, a requirement that we have explained at the beginning of this article.
SEPE sanctions to withdraw the subsidy for those over 52 years of age
The SEPE establishes a system of sanctions for the subsidy for those over 52 years of age, dividing them into minor, serious and very serious infractions. These sanctions can range from temporary suspension to the definitive loss of the subsidy, depending on the severity of the infraction and the recurrence of non-compliance.
Minor infractions and their sanctions
Minor infractions are related to minor non-compliance, such as lack of diligence in the employment application process. Sanctions for minor infractions can suspend the subsidy for from one to six months, and in the event of a repeat offense, it may result in the total loss of the benefit. Minor violations include:
- Do not attend scheduled appointments with the SEPE or placement agencies without justification.
- Do not attend calls for employment or training activities without justified cause.
- Do not justify absences or delays in activities required by the SEPE.
- Failure to actively search for employment or the assigned training.
- Do not communicate changes of address or contact information.
- Failure to renew the job application within the indicated period.
Sanctions:
- First minor infraction: suspension of subsidy for one month.
- Second minor infraction: suspension for three months.
- Third minor infraction: six-month suspension.
- Fourth minor infraction: total loss of subsidy.
Serious violations and their sanctions
Serious infractions are considered more serious breaches, in which the beneficiary fails to comply with basic commitments that affect his or her situation as a job seeker. These infractions are punishable by the withdrawal of the subsidy for periods of three to six months, and their repetition can lead to definitive termination. Among the serious violations are:
- Failure to notify the SEPE of the reduction in the benefit when the requirements are no longer met.
- Rejecting without justification a suitable job offer.
- Refuse to participate in training, employment or career guidance programs offered by the SEPE.