Background information

The objective of this measure is to grant domestic workers access to the extraordinary benefit for lack of activity.

The benefit is given to the group of domestic workers, that are especially vulnerable in the current circumstances, as that they do not have the right to unemployment benefit. For this reason, a temporary extraordinary subsidy was created from which they will be able to benefit in the absence of activity, the reduction in hours worked or the termination of the contract as a consequence of COVID-19. The amount of the subsidy will depend on the remuneration previously received, as well as the reduction in activity suffered, requiring proof of such reduction from the employer. This subsidy is compatible with the maintenance of other activities and the maximum amount to be received will be the minimum wage without extraordinary payments.

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has triggered new situations of need linked to the lack of employment and has aggravated the situation in which previously unemployed people found themselves. Although the state system of unemployment benefits and also the welfare systems of the autonomous communities have served to respond to some of these situations, it is necessary to include new situations of need due to lack of employment generated by the current health crisis.

Content of measure

Those who who are registered in the Special System of Home Employees of the General Social Security Regime before the entry into force of Royal Decree 463/2020, of 14 March, will benefit form this extension.

Those eligible are individuals who find themselves in any of the following situations:

• They have stopped providing services, totally or partially, on a temporary basis, in order to reduce the risk of contagion, for reasons beyond their control, in one or more homes and due to the health crisis of COVID-19.

• Their employment contract has been terminated for the cause of dismissal contained in article 49.1.k of Royal Legislative Decree 2/2015, of 23 October, which approves the Consolidated Text of the Law on the Statute of Workers or for the withdrawal of the employer, in the terms provided for in article 11.3 of Royal Decree 1620/2011, of 14 November 14, which regulates the special employment relationship of the family home service, due to the crisis of the COVID-19.

The amount of the subsidy must not be higher than the Cross-industry Minimum Wage (€950 month).

Use of measure

No data available at the moment.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Workers in non-standard forms of employment	Does not apply to businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Consulted	Consulted
Form	Direct consultation outside a formal body	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Social partners were consulted about this policy in its design.

Views and reactions

Social partners were consulted and were supportive of this measure.

Sectors and occupations

Sources

• 31 March 2020: Royal Decree 11/2020 (www.boe.es)
• 27 October 2021: Royal decree-law 21/2021 - Extension of measures (www.boe.es)