Voluntarily paying contributions to Social Security does not guarantee the subsidy for those over 52. SEPE warns that the special agreement does not replace the required legal unemployment status to access the monthly aid of 480 euros.
The State Public Employment Service (SEPE) has detected a recurring mistake among applicants for the subsidy for those over 52. Many workers, upon exhausting their benefits, sign a special agreement with Social Security to avoid losing contributions towards retirement. However, this practice does not meet the requirements for the subsidy.
The confusion lies in the fact that the special agreement allows for the maintenance of contributions, but does not demonstrate a legal unemployment status. SEPE requires that the applicant has lost their job involuntarily and is registered as a job seeker. Voluntary payments do not equate to a dismissal or end of contract.
Key requirements for the subsidy for those over 52
To access this aid, SEPE establishes strict conditions. The applicant must be in a legal unemployment situation for reasons beyond their control, have contributed for at least 6 years for unemployment, and meet the requirements for retirement pension except for age. Additionally, their own income cannot exceed 915.75 euros per month (75% of the minimum wage).
The subsidy pays 480 euros per month (80% of the IPREM) and continues until retirement age. During its receipt, SEPE contributes on behalf of the beneficiary 125% of the minimum base for their future pension. However, if the applicant has paid a special agreement, that period does not count as unemployment contribution.
Self-employed and special agreement: a wrong path
For self-employed workers, the mistake is even more common. Closing a business or deregistering from the RETA is not considered a legal unemployment situation according to SEPE. A self-employed person can only access the subsidy if they have previously worked for someone else and have been involuntarily dismissed. The special agreement does not change this reality.
The Social Security does allow a special agreement for those already receiving the subsidy, but with deadlines: it must be requested in the first year from the grant, and if requested within the first 90 days, the coverage is retroactive. However, this agreement does not serve to obtain the aid, but to improve future retirement once granted.
How to process the aid in Andalusia
In Andalusia, the process requires two steps. First, the interested party must register as a job seeker with the Andalusian Employment Service (SAE) and keep the job demand card active. Then, they must apply for the subsidy at SEPE within a maximum of 15 days from the triggering event (dismissal or end of contract). If submitted late, the aid is granted, but the economic effects start from the date of application.
To maintain the subsidy, one must renew the job demand every 90 days and submit an annual income declaration within 15 days following the anniversary of the grant. Failing to meet these deadlines results in the immediate suspension of payments and contributions.
In summary, the special agreement with Social Security is a useful tool to avoid losing retirement rights, but it is not a shortcut to obtain the subsidy for those over 52. Those who sign it thinking it will grant them the aid will be in for an unpleasant surprise. It is best to be well-informed before making decisions that could hinder access to this key benefit for the final stage of work life.
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