The Council of Ministers approved just a few days ago the reform regarding the protection of unemployment benefits. Among the main novelties, the expansion of the benefited groups, the benefits of the subsidy and the increase in the amount stand out. We tell you all the details.
He Royal Decree 2/2024, of May 21, introduced important changes that directly affect both the subsidy and the unemployment benefit. The BOE collected all the changes last May, so the entry into force of the battery of changes becomes effective, in general, as of November 1, with the exception of those in which a specific date different.
The new developments are aimed at providing coverage to a greater number of groups benefiting from the subsidy, as well as an increase in the amount of the presentation. Furthermore, one of the aspects that has received the most attention has also been modified: the possibility of make unemployment benefits compatible with a payroll, as long as certain limits are respected.
Main changes in unemployment benefits
One of the most notable changes refers to the new beneficiaries of unemployment benefits. In this case, from now on the unemployment benefit is extended to groups such as victims of gender or sexual violence, returned migrants or cross-border workers from Ceuta and Melilla, among others. In addition, the amounts of the unemployed who worked part-time with those who worked full-time will also be equalized.
Furthermore, there is a second very important change that has to do with the amount received. In this case, the reform increases the percentage of the multiple income indicator that is used to calculate the subsidy. During the first six months, the amount will rise to 95% of the IPREM. After six months, the percentage will decrease to 90% and, after this period, it will continue to decrease until it reaches 80% for the rest of the duration of the benefit.
Unemployment can be combined with employment
With the aim of encouraging the search for employment, without generating fear of losing the benefit, the Government also modified the requirements to be able to combine unemployment benefits, Also known as unemployment, with a job. This has been one of the changes that has attracted the most attention. As of April 1, 2025, the contributory unemployment benefit may be combined with employed employment, as long as the gross monthly salary does not exceed 365% of the IPREM. With the current IPREM, the salary would be 2,250 euros per month. Compatibility will be implemented through what the Royal Decree-Law regulates as “employment support complement.”
There are some limitations beyond the amount of salary received. Such as, for example, that the benefit or subsidy cannot be made compatible with employed employment if the company has authorized an employment regulation file.
The amount of the employment support supplement in the compatibility of the benefit will be between 15 and 80% of the IPREM, depending on the characteristics of the job found. In addition, a maximum duration has also been set, which will range from 30 to 180 days.
