Unemployment: prestación contributiva del SEPE

What you need to have to hand

1. Cl@ve, certificado digital or DNIe to do the procedure online without hassle.
2. DARDE (registration as a jobseeker) active. Without this, SEPE won’t look at you.
3. IBAN of an account in your name.
4. Certificado de empresa (if the company hasn’t sent it via Certific@2) and a document proving the end of your contract if applicable.

Documentation

1. DNI/NIE and, if you are a foreigner, TIE and work permit.
2. Certificado(s) de empresa for the last 6 months. They normally arrive electronically; if not, attach a PDF.
3. DARDE active from the regional employment service.
4. Libro de familia and ID numbers of spouse/children if you want them counted as cargas.
5. U1 if you worked in the UE/EEE; if outside, bring whatever accreditation you have.
6. IBAN and account ownership proof (best to attach a bank certificate or screenshot if asked).

Step by step

1. Register for unemployment at your regional service (SOC, LABORA, SAE, etc.). Do it online with Cl@ve/certificado and download the DARDE. Do it the same day or the day after the end of your contract.
2. Go to https://sede.sepe.gob.es with Cl@ve/certificado and navigate to Personas > Prestaciones > Solicitar prestación contributiva.
3. Fill the form: personal data, date and reason for cese, family cargas and IBAN. Be careful with dates and company names.
4. The sede will tell you if a certificado de empresa is on file. If not, attach yours and the dismissal/end-of-contract letter.
5. Attach everything else: libro de familia, U1, court orders about custody, etc. Sign and send.
6. Save the receipt and check your file on the sede. The resolution usually arrives in 1–4 weeks; the payment is on day 10 of the following month.
7. Renew (sellar) the demand when required and notify any new job, medical leave or travel abroad.

Time-saving tips

1. If your company doesn’t send Certific@2, your file will stay in limbo. Call them and ask them to send it; meanwhile upload your copy.
2. Upload everything as PDF and make it readable. If there’s doubt about the account, attach a bank certificate of ownership.
3. If you worked in the EU, request the U1 asap. You can submit without it, but SEPE will request it and it slows your payment.
4. Don’t wait until the last moment: the 15 working days fly by; if you miss them, they deduct days of entitlement.

Typical mistakes that can derail your application

1. Not registering as a jobseeker before applying: they’ll reject or pause your benefit.
2. Voluntary resignation and still trying to claim: it won’t work and wastes time.
3. Not renewing the DARDE: suspension and possible sanction. Set a reminder.
4. IBAN in someone else’s name: rejection or delay; the account must be yours.
5. Wrong dates (cese/demand): it messes up the calculation and they may ask for corrections.
6. Working and not reporting it: you’ll have to return payments and face sanctions. Always report it on the sede.