Unemployment benefit in Spain (SEPE) 2026: how to apply

Eligibility requirements

To be entitled to contributory unemployment benefit you must:

1. Be in a legal situation of unemployment: dismissal (any type), contract termination, redundancy (ERO), etc.
2. Have contributed for at least 360 days in the last 6 years
3. Be registered as a job seeker at the Public Employment Service
4. Be under 65 (or the applicable retirement age) and not be entitled to a retirement pension

How much will you receive?

The benefit amount is:

• First 180 days: 70% of the regulatory base
• From day 181 onwards: 50% of the regulatory base

The regulatory base is calculated as the average of the professional contingency contribution bases for the last 180 days worked.

Example: If your regulatory base is €1,500/month:

• First 6 months: €1,050/month
• From month 7 onwards: €750/month

There is a maximum (175% of the IPREM indicator) and a minimum (107% of IPREM if you have children, 80% if you do not).

Benefit duration

How to apply

Important deadline

You must apply within 15 working days of your employment situation ending. If you miss this deadline, you will lose the days delayed.

Steps

1. Register as a job seeker at your regional Public Employment Service (SOC in Catalonia, SEPE nationally, etc.)
2. Apply for benefit at SEPE: online at sede.sepe.gob.es or in person with a prior appointment
3. Submit the required documentation

Required documents

• DNI/NIE (valid)
• Social Security card
• Bank account number
• Dismissal letter or employer's certificate (formal notice of employment termination)

Compatibility and incompatibilities

Unemployment benefit is incompatible with:

• Any full-time salaried employment
• Receipt of a retirement pension

It is partially compatible with:

• Part-time work (you receive the proportional amount)
• Self-employment with low income (under certain conditions)

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GovEasy helps you calculate your benefit amount and prepare all the documentation needed to apply.