How unemployment benefit is calculated during an ERTE
Updated: October 2026Sources: Estatuto de los Trabajadores (BOE) · Ley General de la Seguridad Social (BOE)Who is behind this
The three types of ERTE
What changes in unemployment benefit with each one: the amount, whether it uses up future benefit and the contributions.
- Economic, technical, organisational or production reasons
70 % of your base for the first 180 days of benefit and 60 % after that, within the minimums and maximums for sons or daughters. It uses up your future unemployment benefit, and you need 360 days of contributions in the last 6 years that you have not used for another period of unemployment benefit.
Arts. 266.b, 269 and 270 LGSS
- Force majeure
70 % of your base for the whole ERTE, within the minimums and maximums for sons or daughters. It does not use up the contributions you already had and no minimum contribution period is required.
DA 46.ª LGSS
- Mecanismo RED
70 % of your base for the whole ERTE, with a cap of 1.575 € a month, 225 % of the IPREM plus one sixth. The time you receive it is not considered used up, no minimum contribution period is required and you have to be registered as a jobseeker.
DA 41.ª LGSS
Frequently asked questions
Do I receive unemployment benefit if my ERTE reduces my working hours?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for your type of ERTE, as partial unemployment when the temporary reduction in your ordinary daily working hours is between 10 and 70 % (arts. 262.3 LGSS and 47.7.a ET). The benefit is proportional to that reduction (art. 270.5 LGSS).
Does an ERTE use up my unemployment benefit for later?
It depends on the type. In an ERTE for economic, technical, organisational or production reasons, yes: each day uses up benefit, and with reduced working hours it is used up by hours (art. 269.5 LGSS). In a force majeure ERTE it does not use up the contributions you already had (DA 46.ª LGSS), and under the mecanismo RED the time you receive benefit is not considered used up (DA 41.ª.8 LGSS).
Do I need a minimum period of contributions to receive unemployment benefit in an ERTE?
In an ERTE for economic, technical, organisational or production reasons you need 360 days of contributions in the last 6 years that you have not used for another period of unemployment benefit (arts. 266.b and 269 LGSS). In a force majeure ERTE and under the mecanismo RED no minimum contribution period is required (DA 46.ª and DA 41.ª.1 LGSS).
What if I do not know which type my ERTE is?
The notice your employer sent you says which type it is. In the meantime, choose “I don't know” in the form and you will see how the rules change for each type, without a single figure.