Contributions made outside Spain can be used to meet the 15 years required to apply for the subsidy, although recognition depends on the country and the applicable agreement.
The subsidy for those over 52 years of age requires meeting several requirements and a key one is proving fifteen years of contributions. Therefore, if you have worked abroad, the question arises: do those years count? Contributions from abroad can be used to reach the required 15 years, but recognition depends on the country and the agreement with Spain.
Requirements to collect the subsidy for those over 52 after working outside Spain
The SEPE requires 15 years of contributions (with 2 within the last 15) and, in addition, having contributed in Spain for unemployment for at least 6 years. The total can be supported in periods abroad, but the unemployment requirement is linked to contributions in Spain. Before requesting it, check these points:
- 15 years of contributions in total (adding what corresponds inside and outside).
- 2 years within the last 15.
- 6 years of contributions in Spain due to unemployment.
- Country where you worked and if there is an applicable agreement.
Social Security has mechanisms to recognize and add periods of contributions outside, but only in certain cases.
Periods worked in EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are taken into account thanks to the coordination between Spanish and European social services.
The information is exchanged electronically, so the applicant does not have to submit the PD U1 document. Of course, to avoid duplication, the Spanish organization can reduce the duration of the benefit in Spain depending on the days on which similar benefits have been collected in another community country.
Bilateral agreements with non-European countries: what it means for your previous contributions
There are also bilateral agreements signed by Social Security with countries outside the EU. They allow the recognition of quoted periods, although each agreement has particularities. Below we show a table that summarizes the most common scenarios:
| Where have you quoted | Can periods be recognized? | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| EU, EEA and Switzerland | Yeah | Electronic coordination; The duration can be adjusted if there were similar benefits outside |
| Countries with bilateral agreement | Yes, with nuances | The conditions change according to the agreement |
| Other countries | It depends | There is not always an applicable mechanism |
Among the countries cited with bilateral agreements are the United Kingdom (with agreements after Brexit through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement of December 24, 2020), Australia, Andorra, China, Morocco, Tunisia, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, United States, Canada, Ukraine, Korea and Japan, among others.
How much is collected from the subsidy, what income is allowed and if you can work
The current amount of the subsidy is 480 euros per month, and is received until a job compatible with the benefit is found. Employment Support Complement (CAE) or reach the legal retirement age.
In addition, the SEPE contributes during the collection of the subsidy for a value equivalent to 125% of the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), which influences the calculation basis of the future contributory pension.
Since the Social Security reform of 2024, this subsidy is compatible with employed employment for a maximum of 180 days a year. Therefore, if an opportunity arises, you can supplement your income while you remain enrolled, as long as the conditions are met. There is also an income limit: 888 euros per month (75% of the SMI). Find out the details of all the aid we have available by accessing our benefits section.
