Self-employed individuals over the age of 52 in the Community of Madrid who are no longer receiving unemployment benefits may, upon application, receive specific direct assistance from the regional government.
This specific line of aid is part of the so-called “Zero Rate for the Self-Employed,” a direct subsidy that seeks to promote and consolidate self-employment in the Community of Madrid.
The amount of this “senior assistance” is calculated by multiplying the monthly amount of unemployment benefits that were not received during the first months of enrollment in the RETA —the Social Security System for Self-Employed Workers (RETA)—“up to a maximum of twelve,” as specified in the guidelines themselves.
Requirements for Applying for the Aid
Self-employed individuals over the age of 52 who wish to apply for this aid program must meet two specific requirements: they must be 52 years of age or older, and they must have stopped receiving unemployment benefits for those over 52 as a result of registering with the RETA.
In addition, as general requirements for accessing direct aid under the “Zero Rate” program (including the senior aid program), applicants must meet other criteria such as:
- The business must be based within the Community of Madrid.
- Be up to date on tax obligations to the national government, the Community of Madrid, and Social Security.
- Indicate whether you have applied for or received other grants to fund the activities for which you are applying for this grant.
The complete list of requirements can be found on the Community of Madrid’s Digital Administration website, where you can also submit your application.
However, there are also some exceptions —such as “failing to be up to date with tax or Social Security obligations imposed by current regulations”—which are duly set forth in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by the following deadlines, in accordance with the grant guidelines:
- Within a maximum period of three months following the end of each twelve-month period during which the reduction or credit in question was received.
- Within three months following the end of the subsidy period, in the case of self-employed workers who are recipients of the benefit for the care of minors affected by cancer or another serious illness, where the period during which the benefit was received was less than twelve months.