Programa PAE (closed) and what to apply for now at the SEPE

What you need handy

1. Cl@ve, certificado digital or DNIe if you're doing it online.
2. DARDE valid (your demand, renewed). Without this you can't start.
3. Libro de familia and certificado de empadronamiento colectivo if you have dependent family members.
4. Income proofs for you and your household. Recent ones are better.
5. IBAN in your name.

Documentation

• DNI/NIE in force.
• DARDE updated.
• Libro de familia or equivalent.
• Certificado de empadronamiento colectivo (to prove cohabitation).
• Income evidence: pay slips, benefit certificates, pensions, bank statements.
• If you don't authorise Hacienda checks: certificado de rentas from the AEAT.

Step by step

1. Face facts: the PAE está cerrado. What you should apply for now is the Subsidio Extraordinario por Desempleo (SED) if you meet the conditions (you've exhausted other benefits, household income < 75% SMI, registered as claimant, activity commitment).
2. Go to sede.sepe.gob.es and access the SED application with Cl@ve/certificado.
3. Fill the form: personal details, employment situation, dependent family. Tick the activity agreement and the data-check authorisation if you want to avoid extra paperwork.
4. Attach DARDE, libro de familia, empadronamiento colectivo and income proofs. Watch file size (if it fails, reduce size or split files).
5. Sign and submit. Download the receipt. If you prefer in person, book at https://sede.sepe.gob.es/citaprevia/ and bring the printed form with annexes.
6. Wait for the decision and be ready for calls/courses/offers. Miss a summons and they'll suspend you.

Tips that save time

• Give the authorisation for data checks: it saves you from requesting AEAT certificates.
• Upload documents as PDF with clear names and moderate size. The sede sometimes chokes on big files.
• Book an appointment early in the morning or around midnight: slots open up then.
• If you're unsure between SED and RAI, check SED first; if you don't fit, then look at RAI.

Common mistakes that can mess up your application

• Searching for the PAE as if it's still active. It's not: apply for the SED.
• Expired DARDE: leads to suspension or denial. Renew beforehand.
• Failing to prove all household incomes: they'll reject you.
• Not saving the registration receipt: if there's an issue you won't be able to prove the deadline.
• Assuming it's retroactive: payment usually counts from the date you apply.