How to find out how much unemployment benefits you are entitled to in Spain: Complete guide
In Spain, workers are entitled to unemployment benefit, and knowing how much unemployment benefit you are entitled to and how to calculate it can help you plan your financial situation. In this article, we will look at how to find out how much unemployment benefit you are entitled to, how it is calculated, and what the requirements are for accessing this benefit.
What is unemployment benefit?
Unemployment benefit is a temporary financial assistance granted to workers who lose their jobs involuntarily. This benefit is financed by the contributions that employees and employers pay into the social security system.
The aim of the benefit is to help workers maintain financial stability while they look for a new job.
Requirements for collecting unemployment benefits
Before calculating the amount of unemployment benefit, it is important to know whether you meet the necessary requirements to qualify for this benefit:
- Legal situation of unemployment: You must have lost your job involuntarily (due to dismissal, end of contract, ERE, etc.). If you leave your job of your own free will without just cause, you will not be entitled to benefit.
- Accumulated contributions: You must have paid contributions for at least 360 days over the last 6 years.
- Registration as a jobseeker: You must be registered with the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) as a jobseeker and be available for work.
- Not being in a retirement situation: You will not be able to collect unemployment benefits if you have already reached the legal retirement age and can apply for a pension.
How to calculate your unemployment benefit?
To find out how much unemployment benefit you are entitled to, you need to consider two main aspects: the duration of the benefit and the monthly amount.
Duration of benefit
The duration of your unemployment benefit depends on the number of days you have paid contributions in the last six years. The table to determine the duration is as follows:
- 360 to 539 contribution days: 120 benefit days
- 540 to 719 contribution days: 180 benefit days
- From 720 to 899 contribution days: 240 benefit days
- From 900 to 1,079 contribution days: 300 benefit days
- From 1,080 to 1,259 days of contributions: 360 benefit days
And so on up to a maximum of 720 benefit days.
Monthly amount of benefit
The amount of unemployment benefit is calculated on the basis of the regulatory base, which is obtained from the contributions for the last 180 days worked. The benefit is 70% of the regulatory base for the first six months and 60% from the seventh month onwards.
For example, if the regulatory base is 1,200 euros, for the first six months you will receive 840 euros per month (70%), and after that you will receive 720 euros per month (60%).
It is important to bear in mind that there are legal maximums and minimums that apply to the amount of unemployment benefits. For the year 2024, the approximate limits are as follows:
- Minimum: Between €560 and €750, depending on whether you have dependent children.
- Maximum: Between 1,300 and 1,800 euros, also depending on the number of dependent children.
Factors affecting the level of unemployment
When calculating your unemployment benefit, there are some factors that may affect the final amount you will receive:
- Reduced working hours: If your last job was part-time, the regulatory base will be calculated on the hours worked, which will reduce the benefit proportionally.
- Social Security deductions: Even if you are unemployed, you will continue to pay Social Security contributions, so a small percentage will be deducted from the gross amount of your benefit.
- Other income: In some cases, if you have additional income while you are unemployed, this may affect the amount or duration of your benefit.
Cómo solicitar la prestación por desempleoHow to claim unemployment benefit
To apply for unemployment benefit, you must follow the steps below:
First, you must register as a jobseeker with the SEPE. You can do this in person at an SEPE office or online via the SEPE website.
You must then submit the application for the benefit within 15 working days of the last day worked.
It is important to have the necessary documentation ready, such as your DNI or NIE, the company certificate (to be provided by your last employer), and any other documents that the SEPE may request.
Tips for managing unemployment
Take advantage of the time while you are unemployed to improve your CV, learn new skills and look for new opportunities. Also, keep in touch with the SEPE and comply with all the obligations it establishes in order to continue receiving the benefit.
Unemployment is a fundamental right for workers in Spain that helps to maintain economic stability during periods of unemployment.
Knowing how much you are entitled to and how to calculate it can make all the difference when it comes to managing a difficult time in the labour market.
Remember to register as a jobseeker, know your rights and fulfil your obligations to make the most of this benefit.
If you have any questions, you can consult our team to help you manage your unemployment benefit.
