Spain updates CUME regulation for workers caring for minors

The Spanish government has formalized updates to the CUME regulation, expanding the criteria and extending the duration of the state-subsidized leave for workers caring for minors diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. Per the Real Decreto 957/2026, the Social Security system now provides a subsidy to employees who reduce their working hours by at least 50% to provide direct, continuous, and permanent care for a minor suffering from specific serious health conditions.

Workers Qualify for Benefits Through Social Security Contributions

To qualify for the benefit, workers must be registered with the Social Security system and meet specific contribution requirements: 180 days of contributions within the last seven years, or 90 days for those under 26 years of age. Individuals under 21 years old are exempt from proving prior contribution periods. The subsidy is calculated as 100% of the regulatory base for temporary disability, adjusted proportionally to the reduction in the employee’s working hours. For instance, a 50% reduction in hours results in a payment equal to 50% of the base, while a 75% reduction corresponds to 75% of the base.

The regulation applies to cases requiring hospital admission, home hospitalization, ambulatory or continuous treatments, or specialized home care.

Duration and Extension of Coverage

Following this, further extensions of eight months are permitted as long as the subsista la necesidad del cuidado directo, continuo y permanente de la persona causante (the need for direct, continuous, and permanent care of the affected person persists). Generally, the financial support continues until the affected individual reaches 23 years of age. This can be extended until age 26 if the individual has a disability of at least 65%. In extreme cases, support may continue beyond 26 years if the individual acredite una discapacidad igual o superior al 65%, o bien tenga reconocido el grado III de dependencia and maintains cohabitation with the beneficiary.

This subsidio, which is not applicable to public officials, has been part of the Social Security system’s protective action since January 1, 2011.