28 October 2024

Extra pay: when is it paid and how to calculate it?

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Bonus payments are additional remuneration that workers receive twice a year, usually in the summer and at Christmas, as part of their salary.  

In this article, we will explain in detail what these payments are, when they are paid and how to calculate the amount. 

What are bonus payments?

The extra payments, The "special payments", also known as bonus payments, are additional amounts to the basic salary that are paid to workers at two specific times of the year: summer and Christmas.  

These payments are provided for by the law and collective bargaining agreements in Spain, and is intended to provide financial relief during periods of high expenditure, such as summer holidays or Christmas parties. 

How do the extra payments work?

The calculation and the way in which the extra payments are received vary depending on the type of contract and what is agreed in the collective agreement or with the company. There are mainly two ways in which these payments can be managed.

Pro-rata bonus payments

In this case, the total amount of the bonus payments is distributed over the 12 months of the year. This means that the worker receives a proportional part of these payments each month, together with his or her regular salary. Thus, instead of receiving two large payments in summer and Christmas, the extra payments are «diluted» in the monthly salaries.  

Non-apportioned bonus payments

 In the traditional mode, the extra payments are paid at two specific times of the year, generally at June or July for the summer bonus, and in December for the Christmas bonus. In this case, the worker receives his or her usual monthly salary and, in the months indicated, an extra amount corresponding to a full salary. This system is more typical in contracts of indefinite duration or in certain sectors that maintain this tradition. 

When are the extra payments paid?

When is the summer bonus paid?

The summer bonus is usually paid in June or July, depending on the collective agreement or individual agreement between the worker and the employer. This allowance is intended to help workers meet summer expenses, especially during the holidays. 

When is the Christmas bonus paid?

On the other hand, the Christmas bonus usually paid in December, The exact date may vary depending on the labour agreement. The exact date may vary depending on the labour agreement, but in most cases, workers receive it between 20 and 25 December. 

How is the bonus calculated?

For many workers, it is essential to know how this amount is calculated. The calculation of bonus payments can depend on a number of factors, such as basic salary, salary supplements and type of contract. If the bonus payments are not pro-rated, they are divided into two parts and paid at the times mentioned above. 

Steps to calculate the extra pay

  • Determine the gross annual salaryThis includes the basic salary and, in some cases, certain salary supplements. 
  • Divide by the number of paymentsIf your contract states that you are entitled to 14 payments (12 monthly payments plus two extra payments), divide the gross annual salary by 14 to get the amount of each payment. 
  • Consider seniorityIf the worker has not completed the whole year in the company, the extra pay is calculated proportionally to the time worked. 

Not just bonus pay: the gift card as a Christmas present in your company

In addition to traditional bonus payments, companies can offer their employees additional benefits such as the Gift Cards, which represent a form of extra compensation, especially popular during the holiday season.  

A common example is the Edenred Gift Card, which allows employees to use the balance in a wide variety of shops.  

This type of benefit is an excellent complement to the Christmas bonus, since it offers flexibility and allows the worker to choose how and where to spend their bonus, This enhances motivation and well-being within the working environment. 

Edenred Spain