Access to Spain’s unemployment subsidy for people aged over 52 depends, among other requirements, on having accumulated at least fifteen years of social security contributions. This requirement is particularly relevant for British nationals or former UK residents who have spent part of their working life in the United Kingdom and are now unemployed in Spain. Although applicants may not yet have reached the legal retirement age, the State Public Employment Service (SEPE) provides this subsidy to those who meet all the conditions except age. A frequent question among returnees from the UK is whether the years worked there can be counted towards qualifying for the benefit.
The answer is not straightforward and largely depends on where those periods of employment were completed. In the case of the United Kingdom, years worked and contributions paid can still be recognised thanks to the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, signed on 24 December 2020 following Brexit. Under this agreement, contribution periods completed in the UK may be added to Spanish contributions for the purpose of accessing SEPE benefits and calculating future contributory pensions.
The subsidy for people aged over 52 provides essential support to unemployed individuals who struggle to find work again. Importantly, while the subsidy is being paid, SEPE continues to make social security contributions on behalf of the beneficiary based on 125% of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI). This directly affects the pension base that will be used when the person eventually retires.
Requirements and recognition of UK contributions
To qualify for the subsidy, applicants must have contributed a total of at least fifteen years, with two of those years falling within the last fifteen. In addition, at least six years of unemployment contributions must have been paid in Spain over the individual’s working life. This last requirement means that, even for those who have worked extensively in the UK, a minimum contribution history in Spain remains essential.
UK contribution periods can be recognised under the bilateral arrangements derived from the post-Brexit agreement, although the exact way in which they are counted may vary depending on individual circumstances. As with EU cases, Spain may reduce the duration of the benefit if the applicant has previously received equivalent unemployment benefits in the UK, in order to avoid overlapping payments.
Other countries with contribution agreements
While the UK is one of the most common cases, Spain also has social security coordination mechanisms with other countries. Contributions paid in EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are automatically taken into account through electronic data exchanges between social security authorities.
Beyond Europe, Spain has signed bilateral social security agreements with several non-EU countries, including Australia, Andorra, China, Morocco, Tunisia, and a number of Latin American countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. The United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Ukraine are also covered. Each agreement has its own rules on how foreign contribution periods are recognised.
Amount of the subsidy
The subsidy for people aged over 52 currently amounts to approximately €480 per month and is paid until the beneficiary either reaches the legal retirement age or finds compatible employment. Following the 2024 Social Security reform, the subsidy can be combined with paid employment for up to 180 days per year, allowing recipients to supplement their income while remaining registered with SEPE. To remain eligible, recipients must also meet an income threshold, which is currently set at €888 per month, equivalent to 75% of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage.