With the arrival of Easter, many unemployed people have questions about whether they can travel and still receive unemployment benefits, given that one requirement is residence and tax obligations in Spain.
For this reason, and before packing a suitcase, it is helpful to review the conditions you must meet with the corresponding office of the Public State Employment Service (SEPE).
The public employment service has a clear rule:
– If the trip lasts less than a year, unemployment benefits can be suspended.
– If the stay exceeds one year, the benefit will be extinguished.
In addition, you should know that if you plan a trip that is not for leisure while you are receiving these subsidies, you must inform SEPE so it can assess your situation.
But don’t worry, there are different requirements for receiving benefits that vary depending on the reason and duration of your travel, and this article explains them:
What happens if you travel abroad while receiving a benefit, subsidy, or the Active Insertion Income (RAI)?
If you receive contributory benefit, unemployment subsidy, or the RAI and you move abroad, the official SEPE page explains it clearly:
If you travel for work reasons for less than a year:
– If the move lasts less than twelve continuous months, the benefit is suspended; if it lasts longer than twelve months, it is extinguished.
– If you are receiving the RAI, and you move abroad to seek or undertake work, for professional training, or for international cooperation actions, you must notify SEPE before departure and obtain authorization. If the move lasts less than six continuous months, the benefit is suspended; if it lasts longer than six months, it is extinguished.
For work-related stays of a year or more when receiving contributory benefit or unemployment subsidy, or for six months or more when receiving the RAI:
– If you are receiving contributory benefit or unemployment subsidy and you move abroad for a year or more to work, seek employment, engage in studies to improve your professional skills, or participate in international cooperation actions, the benefit or subsidy ends.
– If you are receiving the RAI and relocate abroad for a year or more for work, job search, studies to improve your professional training, or international cooperation actions, the RAI ends.
For other causes not exceeding 15 days:
– If the departure is not more than 15 natural days, whether continuous or not, the benefits remain provided you meet legal obligations.
– It is advisable to inform SEPE of the departure before it occurs.
– Upon returning to the country, you must report to the employment office on the first business day after the return.
For other causes longer than 15 days and up to 90:
– If the stay abroad lasts between 15 days and up to 90 days, the benefits are suspended for the period of the stay within each calendar year.
– Before leaving, SEPE must be informed and authorize the departure.
Those are the requirements you must meet if you want to keep the unemployment benefits. Not informing SEPE of an overseas move can lead to a violation that triggers a sanction process, ending with the extinction of the right. If any doubt remains, contact SEPE to be safe.