Question for all those clever people out there - if you have been paying social security and can then no longer work because the tourist season has ended and there is insufficient work to pay the social payments, and your work relies on the tourists, can you claim benefits to survive during the winter until the season starts again? We are looking for any way to A) continue working with reduced social payments (autonomous) or B) claim so we can survive the winter months until the hotels open again.
Help please!!!!

Hi Helen,
I have been told by my Gestor that I can "de-register" as Autonomo at any time and therefore stop paying the contributions, what then happens when you want to re-register, I'm not sure.
Regards
Tim

If you're self-employed, the contributions you have made do not entitle you to unemployment benefit...same as in the UK. Which is, of course, one of the cons of being self-employed, the world over.
AFAIK there is no scope to make reduced payments either, but someone may know different. I guess you could deregister...? Or you will have to look for other way(s) of earning.
Sorry valenciatim, simultaneous posting!

Don't give up hope of a positive answer. When on holiday in Salou a few years ago we were talking to some youngsters who were doing seasonal work, they told us that so long as they have 6 months uninterrupted work they can claim benefits for the winter season. It could be different depending where you are.

Hi Helen,

The AngloInfo Site here may have some information for you.