How part-time, temporary and seasonal (fijo discontinuo) contracts affect your record

Terms used

• Fijo discontinuo — A fijo discontinuo contract is a permanent contract where you work only during set seasons or when your employer calls you.
• IPREM — The IPREM is a yearly public reference figure that sets minimum and maximum benefit amounts.
• SEPE — SEPE is the public employment service that handles unemployment benefit.
• INSS — The INSS is the national social security institute that manages pensions and checks your contribution record.
• Cotización adicional — The cotización adicional is an extra contribution the employer pays on temporary contracts shorter than 30 days.
• Llamamiento — The llamamiento is the employer's call for a fijo discontinuo worker to start a work period.
• Interinidad — An interinidad contract is a temporary contract to replace another worker who is absent.

Key rules

• Part-time days: Each day you work counts as a full day for unemployment benefit and, since 1 October 2023, for pension contribution periods.
• Lower amounts: Part-time pay means a lower base, so your benefit and pension are smaller even though your days count in full.
• Extra charge: On temporary contracts under 30 days the employer pays the extra charge, never you.
• Seasonal gaps: Between fijo discontinuo seasons you can claim unemployment benefit if you meet the contribution requirements.

The short version

Working fewer hours does not mean fewer contribution days. Each day you work counts as a full day, whatever the hours. What shrinks is the money: your pay, and so your contribution base, is lower, and so are your benefit and pension amounts.

Part-time contracts

There is no minimum number of hours. Contributions are due from the first hour worked, based on your actual pay, subject to the minimum base for your job group.

Unemployment benefit. Part-time days have always counted in full. You need at least 360 days contributed in the previous 6 years. Benefit length grows with your days: from 120 days of benefit for 360 days contributed, up to a maximum of 720 days for 2,160 days or more.

The amount is 70% of your regulatory base for the first 180 days and 50% after that, within minimum and maximum limits tied to the IPREM and your family dependants. Because your base reflects part-time pay, the amount is lower. The limits are adjusted for part-time workers. The IPREM changes every year, so ask SEPE for the current figures.

Pension. Since 1 October 2023, each part-time day counts as a full day towards the contribution period you need for a retirement or other pension. The old reduction (the parcialidad coefficient) no longer cuts your days. The pension amount still follows the bases you actually paid, so it is lower. For periods before October 2023, the old coefficient applies with a transitional correction until 2036. Ask the INSS to check your own record if you worked part-time before then.

Short temporary contracts

A temporary contract of under 30 days carries an extra employer contribution (cotización adicional). The employer pays it, and it is not deducted from your pay. In 2025 it was a fixed sum of 31.83 euros per termination, and it is updated each year. It does not apply to some special systems, such as agrarian and household work, or to substitution contracts (interinidad) and some other cases.

For you, the main effect is on days: a short contract adds only the days you worked. Several short contracts can add up towards the 360 days you need.

Fijo discontinuo (seasonal permanent) contracts

A fijo discontinuo contract is permanent, but you work only when your employer calls you (llamamiento). The call order follows your collective agreement, and the employer must notify you. Not calling you is treated as a dismissal.

• Active periods: you are registered with Social Security and contribute.
• Inactive periods: no contributions and no registration with the employer. You can claim unemployment benefit if you meet the contribution requirements. The time counts as involuntary unemployment, and benefit length follows the normal rules.
• Pension: only active days count.

Details such as call order and notice depend on your collective agreement, so read it or ask your union or employer.

What to do

• Keep your payslips and contracts. They show your days and bases.
• Check your record with the INSS or SEPE before you apply for any benefit.
• The timeline and questions below cover the dates and common doubts.

Timeline and deadlines

• Employer pays the extra charge on a very short contract: when a temporary contract lasting under 30 days ends

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay social security if I only work a few hours a week?

Yes, you pay social security from the first hour worked, because there is no minimum number of hours.

Does a part-time day count as a full day for my pension?

Yes, since 1 October 2023 each part-time day worked counts as a full day for the contribution period you need for a pension. Your pension amount still depends on the lower contributions you actually paid. Periods before October 2023 follow a transition rule until 2036.

Can I claim unemployment benefit between fijo discontinuo seasons?

Yes, you can claim unemployment benefit in the inactive periods of a fijo discontinuo contract if you meet the contribution requirements. These periods count as involuntary unemployment. They do not add days to your pension record, since only active days count.

Who pays the extra charge on contracts shorter than 30 days?

Your employer pays the extra charge on temporary contracts shorter than 30 days, and nothing is deducted from your pay.