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SEPE Expands ID Options, But Online Unemployment Claims Still Require Cl@ve or Certificate
Spain’s SEPE now recognizes temporary codes and contrast data for identification, but applying for unemployment benefits online still demands a digital certificate, DNIe, or Cl@ve. The change broadens access for some services, yet key procedures remain restricted.
SEPE Opens Access to €570 Unemployment Subsidy with Just 90 Days Worked
Workers in Spain who lose their jobs with as little as 90 days of contributions can now apply for a €570 monthly subsidy. The measure targets those without enough work history for standard unemployment benefits, but strict income and family criteria still apply.
Worker Dies After Dumper Overturns in Madrid’s Tierno Galván Park
A 54-year-old worker died in Madrid’s Enrique Tierno Galván park after his dumper overturned. Emergency teams tried to revive him for 40 minutes. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Spain Sees Surge in Silicosis Cases and €2.5 Million in Fines
Silicosis linked to artificial stone is rising sharply in Spain. Over €2.5 million in fines have been imposed on companies since 2019. Calls for a ban on artificial stone are growing as cases multiply.
Spain to Allow Pensioners to Work as Self-Employed While Receiving 25% of Pension
From August 2026, Spain will introduce a new flexible retirement scheme allowing pensioners to return to self-employment and receive 25% of their pension. The change comes with strict eligibility criteria and aims to modernize the way retirees can combine work and benefits.
Why a Bilbao Bricklayer Says Small €50 Jobs Are Sometimes Worth It
Marcos Silva, a Bilbao-based bricklayer, argues that taking on €50 jobs can make sense during slow periods. He highlights the realities of freelance construction work in Spain, where staying active and covering costs often outweighs waiting for bigger contracts.
SEPE Halts Pension Contributions for Over-52s in Full-Time Jobs
From November 2024, Spaniards over 52 who combine their unemployment subsidy with a full-time job will see SEPE stop contributing to their pension. The change affects how future pensions are calculated and alters the financial landscape for older jobseekers.
Spain Now Counts Up to 3 Years of Family Care Toward Retirement
Spanish workers can now count up to three years spent caring for family members as fully credited toward their state pension. The change, in effect since March 2023, aims to recognize unpaid care work—especially by women—and offers new security for those stepping away from their jobs to support relatives.
Why José and Patri No Longer Live Full-Time in Their Motorhome
After nearly a year living exclusively in a motorhome, José and Patri, online personal trainers from Málaga, have shifted to a hybrid lifestyle. They now divide their time between traveling and a small rented house in Cádiz, reflecting on the realities of life on the road.
EU Launches North Africa Recruitment Drive to Tackle Truck Driver Shortage
Facing a severe shortage of truck drivers, the EU is investing nearly €6 million in a program to train and relocate drivers from Morocco and Egypt to Italy and Romania. Only a third of trainees will be selected for jobs, as the sector struggles to fill over 500,000 vacancies.
Gonzalo Bernardos: Early Retirement at 55 Is Not an Option for Most
Economist Gonzalo Bernardos has warned that retiring at 55, 56 or 57 is nearly impossible under Spain’s current pension laws. Only a handful of exceptional cases qualify, while most workers must wait until at least 65 or face significant reductions.
Pilar García Warns Pension System Faces Strain as Lifespans Rise
Pilar García de la Granja highlights a growing gap in Spain’s pension system, noting that benefits now cover nearly three decades of retirement instead of the original ten. Rising life expectancy and new flexible retirement rules are reshaping the debate.
Spanish Bus Driver Reveals Real Earnings and Daily Trade-Offs
Jordi, a veteran bus driver, shares the realities of his profession: long days, regional pay gaps, and the choice to return home each night over higher international wages. His story highlights the pressures and decisions facing Spain’s drivers.
Ibiza Yacht Captain Sleeps in €4,000 Van to Avoid Sky-High Rents
For six months, José commands a €6 million Jaguar 72 yacht in Ibiza, but at night he returns to a modest van parked near the marina. High rental prices force even well-paid professionals to rethink where—and how—they live on the island.
Spain Updates Hospitality Rules for Extreme Heat: What Changes for Terraces
Spain’s hospitality sector faces new climate safety rules after a landmark agreement between unions and employers. The changes focus on protecting outdoor workers during heatwaves, but do not require automatic terrace closures or introduce new fines.
Greek Island Offers Free Housing to Volunteers Caring for Stray Cats
Syros Cats on the Greek island of Syros will soon open applications for volunteers to care for stray cats in 2027. The program covers housing, breakfast, and supplies, but volunteers must cover their own travel and meals. Minimum stay is one month.
Sandra Ruiz: From Venezuelan Engineer to Spain’s National Truck Driver
Sandra Ruiz left a senior engineering role in Venezuela to start over as a truck driver in Spain. Her journey reveals the challenges and trade-offs of entering a male-dominated field—and why she values coming home every night.
Disability Benefits in Spain: What Changes at 33%, 45% and 65%
A 33% disability rating in Spain opens the door to vital support, but not all benefits are automatic. Higher thresholds like 45% and 65% bring additional rights, from early retirement to non-contributory pensions. Here’s what each level really means for daily life.
After 44 Years as a Taxi Driver, Antonio Embraces Doing Nothing
Antonio spent more than four decades navigating Madrid’s streets as a taxi driver. Now retired, he values the simple luxury of unstructured days and the freedom to choose how he spends his time—without the pressure of a work schedule.
SEPE and Fundae Launch Over 2,300 Free Courses for Jobseekers
More than 2,300 publicly funded courses are now available for unemployed people in Spain through SEPE and Fundae. The catalogue covers fields like AI, payroll, e-commerce, and environmental management, with flexible formats and targeted support.
Inside the Demanding Life of Spain’s Independent Truck Drivers
Javier Pájaro, a seasoned truck driver, opens up about the sacrifices and strict routines that define his profession. He highlights the legal limits on driving hours and the impact of long absences on family life.
Social Security to Cut Pensions by 14% for Early Retirement After 38 Years of Contributions
Spain’s Social Security will apply a 14% pension cut to those with over 38 years of contributions who retire early. The measure affects both voluntary and involuntary early retirees. No changes to the rule are planned.
Flexible retirement in Spain: new 25% pension bonus for part-time work
From August 2026, Spanish pensioners who take up flexible retirement and work 55–80% of a full schedule will receive a 25% pension supplement. The reform also opens the scheme to self-employed workers.
Argentine Bricklayer Finds 10 Job Offers in Spain Within 48 Hours
Matías Armani, a 48-year-old Argentine bricklayer, received ten job offers just two days after arriving in Spain. His experience underscores the urgent demand for experienced tradespeople in the Spanish construction sector, where younger workers remain scarce.
AIReF Flags Surge in Dual IMV and Unemployment Subsidy Claims After 52
Spain’s AIReF has found that the number of people over 52 receiving both the Ingreso Mínimo Vital and unemployment subsidies has doubled. The government is urged to reassess the overlap, but no immediate legal changes are planned.
Police Agent Refuses to Hand Over Phone in Harassment Case
A police agent in New Delhi accuses her suspended chief of harassment. The court demands her phone for audio analysis, but her defense resists. The case exposes tensions over victims' rights and evidence handling.
Hotel Cleaners in Spain Push for Early Retirement Amid Harsh Work Conditions
Spanish hotel cleaners face intense pressure, cleaning up to 29 rooms a day for as little as €1.50 per room. Now, unions are formally seeking early retirement options, citing widespread health issues and unsustainable workloads.
Nvidia CEO: Data Centre Boom Drives Soaring Demand for Skilled Trades
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, says hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople will be needed to build the infrastructure for artificial intelligence. As Spain already faces shortages in these professions, the surge in data centre construction is set to intensify competition for qualified workers.
Joaquín Earns €128 a Day Moving Bins in Australia Without Speaking English
Joaquín works just one day a week in Australia, earning €128 for eight hours moving bins between residential buildings. He spends much of his shift driving with air conditioning and music, and says no English is required for the role.
New Flexible Retirement Law Offers Bonuses for Returning to Work
A major change to Spain’s retirement rules will allow pensioners to return to part-time work with significant financial incentives. The new law, effective August 28, 2026, introduces bonuses of up to 25% for those who meet specific conditions.
Mercadona, Decathlon and Lidl Drive 350-Job Boom in Aranjuez Retail Park
A major retail park in Aranjuez is set to open in late 2026, bringing together Mercadona, Lidl, Decathlon and other brands. With 98% of space leased, over 350 jobs are expected, and a local job fair will connect residents with employers this September.
One Missed Deadline Cost This Self-Employed Woman Her Pension
A self-employed woman in the Basque Country was denied her pension after 16 years of contributions. The court ruled her registration in the RETA system ended too late to qualify under old rules, forcing her to wait longer for retirement benefits.
Why 15 Years of Social Security Contributions Can Mean a Bigger Pension Than Expected
Spanish Social Security expert Alfonso Muñoz reveals why some retirees with only 15 years of contributions may receive pensions that exceed their total payments. Legal caps, minimum supplements, and early retirement rules all play a role in this surprising outcome.
From 10,000 Pesetas to Retirement: Alfredo's Life as an Electrician
Alfredo Becerra began learning the electrical trade at 14 and spent over 35 years on the job. His career traces the evolution of materials, pay gaps, and workplace culture in Spain’s electrical sector, ending with his retirement in 2016.
SEPE Unveils Easier Online and Phone Access for Unemployed
Applying for unemployment or subsidies in Spain just became simpler. SEPE now accepts temporary codes, contrast data, and other accessible identification methods for many procedures, reducing the need for digital certificates and expanding online and phone options.
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