New Spanish Rules Allow Early Retirement for Over-52s Receiving Unemployment Benefits

Spain has introduced new rules that allow workers receiving unemployment benefits for those over 52 years old to retire early. This benefit, which provides an indefinite allowance until the legal retirement age, offers a 125% contribution to pensions (currently €1653.75 per month). However, individuals can now claim their generated pension early, provided they meet specific conditions. There are two paths to early retirement: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary early retirement requires at least 35 years of contributions, with at least two of them within the last 15 years. The pension must also exceed the minimum pension amount depending on family circumstances. Involuntary early retirement requires a minimum of 33 years of contributions, with two in the last 15 years. This option applies to workers involuntarily terminated, specifically through an ERE (Employment Regulation File). Voluntary retirement can be advanced by two years, allowing individuals to retire at age 63 with 38 years of contributions. Involuntary retirement can be advanced to age 61 with 38 years of contributions.