Step by Step Guide to Applying for Unemployment Benefits

If you are unemployed in Spain, find out how apply for the benefit is essential to guarantee your income while looking for a new opportunity.

Many people have the right to safe unemployment, but don't know how the process works withdraw the benefit correctly and safely.

In this article, we show you the complete step-by-step process, with everything you need: documents, deadlines, benefit extract and the benefit value available for each profile.

1. Who is Entitled to Unemployment Benefits?

First of all, it is important to understand who can apply for the benefit in Spain. The process is managed by SEPE (Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal), the official body that handles applications for safe unemployment.

You are entitled if:

• You were involuntarily dismissed (dismissal without just cause);
• Worked for at least 360 days in the last 6 years;
• You are registered as a job seeker with SEPE;
• Have legal residence (if you are a foreigner).

➡ Access the official SEPE page to check your status:
https://sede.sepe.gob.es

Once you meet these requirements, you can move on to the next step and guarantee your right to withdraw money of the benefit.

2. What Documents Are Required?

Having the documents in hand is the first step to speeding up the process. SEPE requires proof to release payment of the safe.

Here's what you need to present:

• Identity document (DNI or NIE);
• Social Security affiliation number;
• Company certificate (given by your last employer);
• Employment contract and letter of resignation or termination;
• Proof of registration as a job seeker.

Everything can be submitted online, as long as it is in digital format (PDF, JPG or PNG). With the documents in order, you avoid delays and can withdraw the benefit more quickly.

3. Step by Step: Request your Benefit

Now that you know if you are eligible and have gathered the documents, see how to make the request directly through the SEPE website. The process is 100% online:

As apply for the benefit:

1. Visit the official SEPE website:
   👉 https://sede.sepe.gob.es
2. Click on “Procedures and Services” > “People”.
3. Select “Request your benefit” and log in with a digital certificate, cl@ve or electronic DNI.
4. Fill in your personal details and send the scanned documents.
5. Confirm the data and send the request.

After submission, SEPE will analyze it. You can track the status on the website, in the option “check benefit statement”, and you will receive an email with confirmation.

4. Deadline and Values Table

The duration time and the benefit value depend on the period you worked and contributed to Social Security.

Check the current table below (general reference – may vary slightly):

Days worked	Benefit months
360 to 539 days	4 months
540 to 719 days	6 months
720 to 899 days	8 months
900 to 1079 days	10 months
1080 days or more	12 months or more

The amount paid monthly is usually:

• 70% of the regulatory base in the first 180 days;
• 50% from the 181st day.

Payment is made directly into your bank account, usually between the 10th and 15th of each month. To withdraw money, simply transfer the amount normally through your bank.

Conclusion

Apply for the benefit Unemployment in Spain may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right information, the process becomes much simpler and faster.

In this article, we show you who is eligible, the documents required, how to apply online and details about the benefit value. All this so that you can achieve withdraw the benefit no headaches.