The subsidy for those over 52 years of age is one of the most beneficial assistance aid of the State Public Employment Service (SEPE), since it can be collected until returning to the labor market or until reaching the ordinary retirement age. That is, it is a benefit with an indefinite duration, but not unlimited.
This is explained by the SEPE in its Web pagewhich indicates that this aid is received until reaching the age required to access the contributory retirement pension. From that moment on, the right to the subsidy disappears, since it is understood that the person can retire and does not need a subsidy, the purpose of which is to provide a minimum income until they find work.
This criterion also fits with article 272 of the General Law of Social Securitywhich provides for the termination of the unemployment benefit when the beneficiary reaches the ordinary retirement age, unless he or she does not meet the contribution period required to access that contributory pension.
At what age does the subsidy for people over 52 stop collecting in 2026?
In 2026, the ordinary retirement age will be 66 years and 10 months for those who have contributed less than 38 years and 3 months. On the other hand, those who prove contributions for more than 38 years and 3 months will be able to retire at 65 years of age.
This means that that same age will mark the end of the subsidy for those over 52 years of age. This is how the reference looks:
| Year | Quoted periods | Age at which the subsidy stops receiving 52 years |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 years and 3 months or more | 65 years |
| Less than 38 years and 3 months | 66 years and 10 months | |
| From 2027 | 38 years and 6 months or more | 65 years |
| Less than 38 years and 6 months | 67 years |
Therefore, in 2026, the subsidy for those over 52 years of age will expire upon turning 65 if a contribution of at least 38 years and 3 months is proven. If this period is not reached, aid may be collected up to age 66 years and 10 months.
These ages correspond to what is established by Law 27/2011, which continues to increase gradually until 2027.
The subsidy cannot be maintained if retirement is delayed
Once the ordinary retirement age is reached, the subsidy stops being paid. You cannot continue collecting this aid because you want to voluntarily delay retirement or take advantage of a delayed retirement.
That is to say, it is one thing for a person to decide not to retire yet and continue working or wait to apply for the pension, and another thing is to maintain the subsidy. At this point the rule is clear. The subsidy for those over 52 years of age does not extend beyond the ordinary retirement age, because from that moment on there is a legal cause for the termination of the right.
What happens if the pension is not requested when the subsidy ends
When the subsidy runs out, the worker is not obliged to request the pension that same day, but it is advisable not to let too much time pass. Alfonso Muñoz Cuenca, Social Security official explains that the reason is that the General Social Security Law establishes that the recognition of benefits has a maximum retroactivity of three months from the date of application.
This means that, if a person reaches the ordinary retirement age, stops collecting the subsidy and takes a year to request the pension, they will not be able to recover all the lost monthly payments. You will only be able to receive, at most, the arrears corresponding to the three months prior to the request. The rest will be lost.