Argentina extends social benefit compatibility for temporary rural workers

The Argentine government has extended a decree that allows temporary rural workers to maintain their social welfare benefits while holding formal employment. Through Decree 1204/2026, published in the Official Gazette, the measure extends the provisions of Decree 514/2021 for one year, effective from September 1, 2026, until September 1, 2027.

The policy is designed to incentivize registered seasonal labor and combat informality within regional economies. It ensures that family allowances for temporary rural workers are not less than 100% of the Universal Child Allowance (AUH) and allows beneficiaries of social programs to retain their state benefits when entering registered jobs during harvest periods.

The decision follows requests from various productive sectors, labor unions, and regional economic associations. Proponents argue the measure provides contractual predictability for agricultural producers and helps secure the necessary workforce for key production periods while improving the income and living conditions of rural workers and their families.