One requirement to collect unemployment benefits, including unemployment subsidies or extraordinary aid, is that workers certify their status every ninety days to renew the Job Seeker Demand or DARDE card (Documento de Alta y Renovación de la Demanda de Empleo). The renewal is meant to prove that the beneficiary is still unemployed and continues to be eligible for the corresponding benefit.
The renewal of the job demand is a procedure handled by the regional employment services. During the coronavirus crisis, the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy ordered automatic renewal to avoid crowding in public offices.
From July 2021 this measure ended, and in almost all autonomous communities it became mandatory to stamp the job demand.
When must the job demand be stamped?
The job demand is renewed every three months, on the date set by the local employment office. To speed up the process, an appointment is usually not required, and the renewal can often be completed online through the corresponding Public Employment Service website for the autonomous community.
Failing to renew the DARDE card while receiving a benefit or subsidy is considered a minor fault that can lead to loss of rights. If the renewal date is missed, it is important to rectify the situation as soon as possible.
How to stamp the job demand online, step by step
This process is carried out through the regional Employment Services, except in Ceuta and Melilla, where it is done at the SEPE Electronic Headquarters. The stamping of the job demand can be completed online 24 hours a day as it corresponds to that renewal period. The following are the official portals where stamping the DARDE can be completed online in each autonomous community:
Andalusia
It is processed via the Andalusian Employment Service area. It is also possible to renew the DARDE via mobile devices (iPhone and Android).
Aragon
Online renewal of the unemployment demand is available through the Aragon Institute of Employment (INAEM).
Asturias
Stamping the unemployment demand must be completed on the Trabajastur employer portal.
Balearic Islands
Job seekers should visit the Illes Balears Employment Service (SOIB) services related to employment.
Canary Islands
Within the Canary Islands Government procedures and services, the DARDE renewal can be completed online for job stamping.
Cantabria
Emplea Cantabria manages the renewal of the unemployment card via its electronic headquarters.
Castilla-La Mancha
Residents of Castilla-La Mancha can stamp from the Virtual Office of the Economy, Companies and Employment Department.
Castilla y León
The Castilian-Leon Public Employment Service can stamp the job demand digitally from its website. The community also offers a mobile app to renew the DARDE on a phone.
Catalonia
Renewal is done through the Virtual Office of the Servei d’Ocupació de Catalunya (SOC).
Community of Valencia
The Valencian Employment and Training Service (LABORA) can handle the DARDE renewal. One must be registered and have the credentials provided by the administration.
Extremadura
The Extremadura Public Employment Service (SEXPE) provides the renewal portal. The stamping can be completed online via the linked site.
Galicia
The Galician government, via the Employment Office, offers renewal through its virtual office, the MOBEM mobile app, and information points.
La Rioja
The regional government site’s Services for Applicants allows renewal using a digital certificate or electronic ID card.
Community of Madrid
The Madrid Employment Office continues to provide options for renewal.
Region of Murcia
The SEFCARM offers a dedicated section to stamp the unemployment demand or check the renewal date.
Navarra
The Navarra Government site enables demand stamping or checking the next renewal date. For first-time online stamping, the SNE profile must first be activated via the national portal.
Pais Vasco
Lanbide is the portal to stamp the unemployment card. If it is the first time or credentials are lost, a new login can be obtained by using the Mi LanbideNet service or sending an SMS with the required codes.
Ceuta y Melilla
The stamping is done through the SEPE Electronic Headquarters. Identity is required via electronic ID, Cl@ve, or digital certificate.
What happens if the job demand is forgotten?
To receive unemployment benefits, it is mandatory to register as a job seeker and renew the demand while receiving those benefits. If the demand is forgotten, a minor sanction procedure starts, potentially resulting in one month of benefit loss. If it happens again, three months are lost. A third lapse means six months, and a fourth time results in loss of the benefit entirely.
In cases of repeated noncompliance, it does not have to be the same type of fault. The penalty schedule can be applied from the first violation if at least 365 days have passed since the last fault.
Tips for stamping the unemployment online
- The key is not to delay. Try to renew online on the early morning of the day it’s due. That way, if there are computer, connection, or credential problems, there will be time to visit a local employment office and stamp it in person.
- Keep a copy of the renewal. Always print the renewal receipt as proof. If there is no printer, save the document as a PDF or email it to yourself for safekeeping. This DARDE document is the only proof that the renewal was completed correctly.
- Remember the next renewal date. Set an alert for the upcoming renewal date. The renewal document shows the next due date. Create a reminder on a phone or place a visible note on the fridge or a calendar.