Unemployment subsidy in Uruguay (seguro de paro): what it is, how much, how to apply
If you lose your job through no fault of your own, the BPS pays an unemployment subsidy. Who qualifies, how much, and for how long — with official sources.
Suddenly losing your job is scary, but there's a safety net: the unemployment subsidy paid by the BPS. It's a temporary benefit while you find new work. Here's who's entitled, how much you get and how to claim it.
What it is
The unemployment subsidy (seguro de paro) is a BPS benefit for dependent private-sector workers who lose their job through circumstances beyond their control: dismissal, suspension or reduced work. It's not for those who resign voluntarily.
Requirements
To qualify you need a minimum of prior activity. For monthly employees, having accrued 180 days on payroll in the previous 12 months; day-rate workers need 150 day-wages and variable-pay workers a minimum of 6 BPC, in that same period.
BPS — Unemployment subsidy for dismissalhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/4802/subsidio-por-desempleo-por-despido.htmlHow much you get
The amount is computed on your average salary and falls month by month. The rule:
Per the BPS:
«El monto del subsidio será el equivalente a los porcentajes que se establecen a continuación, del promedio mensual de las remuneraciones nominales computables percibidas en los seis meses inmediatos anteriores a configurarse la causal»
In English: The subsidy amount will equal the percentages set below, of the monthly average of the computable nominal remunerations received in the six months immediately before the cause arose
BPS — Unemployment subsidy for dismissalhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/4802/subsidio-por-desempleo-por-despido.htmlFor monthly employees, those percentages are: 66% the first month, 57% the second, 50% the third, 45% the fourth, 42% the fifth and 40% the sixth. So it starts high and tapers off, as an incentive to get back to work.
How long it lasts
The subsidy is paid for a maximum of six months in dismissal or reduced-work cases, and four months in total suspension. If you're 50 or older at the time of dismissal, the term can be extended by another six months.
How to apply
You have 30 days from the termination or suspension to claim it. The company is required to give you the forms you need. The procedure is handled at the BPS. See the details and updates at the MTSS:
MTSS — Unemployment insurancehttps://www.gub.uy/ministerio-trabajo-seguridad-social/politicas-y-gestion/derecho-reglamentacion-laboral/derecho-laboral-uruguayo/seguro-paroAnd if I'm self-employed?
Important: the unemployment subsidy is for dependent workers. If you're a unipersonal or monotributista working on your own, this benefit doesn't cover you — it isn't part of your contributions as an independent. It's a key difference between being an employee and working for yourself.
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| For whom? | Private employees out of work (not by resignation) |
| Requirement? | 180 days on payroll in 12 months (monthly) |
| How much? | 66% to 40% of salary, falling by month |
| How long? | Up to 6 months (4 in total suspension) |
| Self-employed? | Not covered |
In short: the unemployment subsidy is the BPS's safety net for employees who lose their job, pays 66% down to 40% of salary for up to six months, and is claimed within 30 days. If you're self-employed, it doesn't reach you. Verify your case with the BPS.