The beneficiaries of the subsidy for those over 52 years old must submit an annual income statement to continue receiving the aid. The State Public Employment Service (SEPE) establishes a period of 15 business days after twelve months have passed since the birth of the right or since the last resumption. Not completing the procedure within that timeframe may interrupt the monthly payment and contributions for retirement.
The obligation affects those who already receive this assistance benefit, which in 2026 has an amount of 480 euros per month. The SEPE also specifies what happens when the declaration is submitted late. In that case, the subsidy can be resumed, but the payment will only take effect from the date the document is submitted. Therefore, the delay may result in days without receiving the aid.
The procedure can be carried out through the SEPE electronic headquarters or in person at a benefits office, with an appointment. The agency allows starting the process online through its personal area and the specific section for the annual income statement pre-application.
The income limit to receive the subsidy in 2026
To maintain this aid, it is necessary to meet the requirement of lacking personal income. The limit is set at 75% of the minimum interprofessional wage, not counting the proportional part of two extraordinary payments. With the SMI of 2026 set at 1,221 euros per month, the threshold is equivalent to 915.75 euros per month.
The SEPE requires maintaining this condition throughout the entire period of receipt. Therefore, it is not enough to meet the limit when applying for the benefit: changes that may affect the right must also be communicated, and income must be declared when appropriate.
If during any period the income limit is exceeded, the agency may suspend the subsidy from the date the requirement was no longer met and resume it when the lack of income is re-established. If amounts that were not due have been received, the SEPE may regularize them and claim the undue amounts; failure to communicate may also lead to a sanctioning procedure.
The suspension also affects contributions for retirement
One of the particularities of the subsidy for people over 52 years old is that it not only provides a monthly income. During its receipt, the SEPE pays contributions to Social Security for the retirement contingency, taking as a reference the 125% of the current minimum contribution base.
These contributions count towards calculating the regulatory base of the future pension and the percentage that is applied to that base. They can also serve to complete the required period to access early retirement. The interruption of the subsidy for not submitting the annual declaration implies, therefore, that those contributions are also stopped during the corresponding period.
The agency also allows those who receive this aid to subscribe to a special agreement with the General Treasury of Social Security to complete the contribution for retirement. This possibility is different from the obligation to submit the annual income declaration and does not replace that procedure.