6 months is a bit of a watershed date - GENERALLY after being "sick" for 6 months you'll have to submit to an "evaluation" other than the GP's. Basically you stop being "sick" and become "unfit". May even result in invalidity type payments. Have had several Spanish friends go through it. But if you're UNABLE to work I'm not sure how the INEM operates. Basically they pay you because you're on the "ready to work" list. But the period of payment unless you meet age/income criteria is limited and based on your employment record (and paid dues) during the last 6 years.