SEPE: Jobseekers Can now Collect Unemployment While Employed

‌Updated June 05, 2025

Spain’s Public State ‌Employment Service (SEPE) has implemented a reform allowing some unemployed individuals⁤ to receive benefits while holding ⁣a full-time job. this “Complement to support the contributory benefit”⁢ aims to⁢ ease the transition back into the​ labor market ⁣and ensure ⁣individuals aren’t discouraged from accepting jobs with lower salaries than their unemployment​ benefits.

The availability of this unemployment benefits program depends‍ on when the individual’s unemployment benefits originated,specifically before or after ​April 1,2025.This date determines the application​ process and eligibility requirements for ⁣the employment support complement.

Unemployment Benefits Before April 1, 2025

Individuals who began receiving unemployment benefits before April 1, 2025, can apply for the employment support⁤ complement if​ their benefit ⁤duration is at least 14 months and they have already received benefits for⁣ nine months. To receive the⁤ complement, they must request ‍compatibility with their full-time employment. The SEPE does not automatically grant this benefit.

Eligibility⁢ also requires that the company is⁣ not ⁤undergoing an employment ⁣regulation file (ERE), the worker had⁢ not been employed by the company in the​ previous 12​ months, and ther is ⁣no familial relationship ⁢(up to the second ‍degree) ⁣with ​the employer or company managers.

To ⁣receive the complement from the start of employment, the request must ‌be submitted within 15 ‍days of starting the job.Otherwise, the complement will be ‍applied from⁣ the⁢ date of submission, ​provided the ​employment relationship is still ​active.

Unemployment Benefits On or After⁤ April