The reference value for unemployment benefit will increase in January 2026 and the maximum limit will continue to be higher than the national minimum wage. According to the ECO news portal, the update is due to the growth of the Social Support Index (IAS), which is expected to rise 2.8% at the beginning of the year and be reflected in several benefits granted by Social Security.
The IAS serves as a calculation basis for access to support, such as unemployment, illness or death, and is reviewed annually. According to the same source, the index is expected to rise from 522.5 euros to 537 euros, influenced by economic developments and price variations over the last year. This increase will have a direct effect on the minimum and maximum amount of unemployment benefit.
The maximum limit, calculated at 2.5 times the IAS, could reach around 1,342 euros per month, representing 36 euros more than the value currently in force (1,306 euros). The minimum, corresponding to 1.15 times the IAS for those who have deducted at least the minimum wage, should increase to 617.52 euros.
What changes for those who end their support or do not have discounts
The same source states that the social unemployment benefit will also be updated. This support is granted to beneficiaries who have not collected sufficient discounts or who have already exhausted the initial subsidy period. Therefore, in addition to the increase in the principal amount, other benefits linked to loss of income due to unemployment must follow the same increase criteria.
It adds that the IAS calculation depends on two indicators defined in the law: average economic growth over the last two years and inflation over the last twelve months (excluding housing). The data published by INE allows the final update to be projected, still subject to confirmation with full disclosure of statistics.
The national minimum wage will be 920 euros gross in 2026, which means a clear difference between the maximum unemployment benefit ceiling and the minimum wage. The Doctor Finance website explains that the Social Security discount remains set at 11%, resulting in a net income of 818.80 euros per month for those who receive the base remuneration amount. The annual gain could reach more than 600 euros due to the expected increase.
According to the same source, the reinforcement does not change the exemption from withholding tax for those who receive the minimum wage. The growth therefore translates into a net monthly increase of 44.50 euros, with an accumulated impact throughout the year.
Maximum unemployment benefit amount is higher than the national minimum wage
This framework places the maximum value of unemployment benefit above the national minimum wage, with effects that begin to take effect at the beginning of 2026, if the final IAS numbers are confirmed. The update reinforces the protection of beneficiaries and adjusts benefits to the economic context, in line with the legal criteria defined for this calculation.
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