SEPE will account for the extraordinary payments of the widow's pension to determine if the income limit for the subsidy for those over 52 years is exceeded. The threshold is set at €915.75 per month, which is 75% of the SMI for 2026.
The State Public Employment Service (SEPE) has confirmed that, to calculate access to the subsidy for those over 52 years, the extra payments of the widow's pension will be taken into account. Thus, the fourteen annual payments will be prorated over twelve months to check if the beneficiary exceeds 75% of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), which in 2026 amounts to €915.75 per month.
This measure affects those who combine the subsidy with a widow's pension. SEPE will sum all payments —including extraordinary ones— and divide them by the twelve months of the year. If the resulting monthly income exceeds the threshold, the benefit will be suspended for at least one month.
How the income limit is calculated
The calculation includes both the widow's pension and other benefits such as total or partial permanent disability. In all cases, SEPE requires that the total computable monthly income does not exceed €915.75 gross. This limit is updated each year with the increase in the SMI.
Furthermore, extraordinary income —such as inheritances or lottery winnings— must be reported to SEPE within a maximum of 30 days. Failing to do so may be considered an infringement and could lead to the suspension of the subsidy.
Requirements and obligations of the beneficiary
The subsidy for those over 52 years is aimed at unemployed individuals who have exhausted their contributory benefit or unemployment subsidy and who have not reached retirement age. Among the main requirements are: having contributed for at least 15 years, of which two must be within the last fifteen; being 52 years or older; and proving six years of unemployment contributions.
The monthly amount of the subsidy is €480, equivalent to 80% of the IPREM. It continues until the beneficiary can retire, as long as they do not exceed the income limit. To monitor income, SEPE requires the annual submission of the Annual Income Declaration (DAR).
“SEPE considers all payments of the widow's pension, including extraordinary ones, summing them and dividing them by the twelve months of the year,” explain sources from the agency.
For beneficiaries, the key is to monitor total income. If the widow's pension plus prorated extra payments exceed €915.75, the subsidy will be temporarily lost. Therefore, it is advisable to review payslips and, in case of doubt, contact SEPE to avoid surprises.
The subsidy for those over 52 years is one of the most used benefits by long-term unemployed individuals. With this clarification, SEPE aims to avoid confusion and ensure that all income is correctly computed.
You may also like
