Renewing the unemployment request: what it is and why it matters
The renewal of the unemployment request is a required process handled by the relevant autonomous services for work. The purpose is to confirm that the beneficiary continues to meet the conditions for receiving unemployment benefits or subsidies, keeping the right to those benefits active. This renewal happens every ninety days, aligning with the ongoing need to verify ongoing unemployment status and eligibility.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy ordered an automatic renewal of unemployment to prevent crowding at public offices. That policy changed in July 2021. Since then, payment of unemployment benefits has been compulsory in almost all autonomous communities.
When does unemployment close or need renewal?
The unemployment request is renewed every three months on the date set by the local employment office. In most cases, you can complete this online without needing an appointment. The renewal can be done via the Public Employment Service website of the corresponding autonomous community.
Failing to renew your unemployment card while receiving benefits can be considered a minor offense that may lead to a loss of rights. If the renewal date is missed, address the issue as soon as possible to avoid complications.
How to renew unemployment online step by step
The renewal process is managed through the autonomous employment services. In many regions, renewals can be completed at any time via the Electronic Headquarters of the respective service. Online stamping is available around the clock on the renewal date. Here are regional paths to renew online:
Renewals can be done through the Andalusian Employment Service portal (SAE) and DARDE can also be renewed via mobile devices. In Aragon, renewals occur through the INAEM portal. The process is also supported via the Trabajostur portal in some areas. Applicants in the Balearic Islands should use the SOIB employment services section. Canary Islands residents can renew via the Canary Islands Government site in the procedures and services area, including DARDE renewal.
Cantabria uses the Empleo Cantabria portal for renewals through its electronic center. Castile-La Mancha residents use the Virtual Office of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Labor. Castile and Leon offers online renewals through ECYL, which also provides a mobile app. In Catalonia, renewals are performed through the SOC virtual office. The LABORA service in Valencia handles DARDE stamping with registered access credentials.
Extremadura uses SEXPE’s portal for renewals. Galicia offers renewals through MOBEM and virtual offices. La Rioja supports renewal with a digital certificate or electronic DNI on its government site. The Madrid Employment Office and Murcian SEFCARM service provide renewal check-ins and sign-offs. Navarra’s government site allows claim management, signature, and next renewal date checks; first-time online signing requires activation via the National Employment Service portal. The Basque Country uses LANBIDE for stamping, with new credentials available through My Lanbidenet or SMS verification.
All renewals are coordinated through the State Public Employment Service SEPE, where identification is possible via electronic DNI, Cl@ve, or a digital certificate.
What happens if a renewal is forgotten?
Registering as a job seeker and renewing the claim is mandatory to continue collecting unemployment benefits. Missing a renewal can trigger disciplinary steps for minor violations, potentially affecting monthly payments. Repeated non-renewals can lead to longer periods of loss, including several months up to six or more, depending on the frequency and timing of violations.
Recidivism does not require the non-renewal to be of the same type each time. A violation timeline is assessed with a rolling window of up to 365 days between incidents.
SEPE: Can unemployment benefits be maintained if someone works for a family member’s company?
Tips for completing unemployment renewals online
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Don’t wait. Renew online early on the day that works for you. If there is any problem with your computer, connection, or password, you can still visit a local employment office to renew in person.
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Keep a copy of the renewal receipt. Print or save as a PDF, and email it to yourself if needed. This DARDE document certifies that you renewed the job application correctly.
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Remember the next renewal date. Set an alert or mark the date on a calendar so you know when to renew again.
Notes: The material above reflects official guidance on renewals across Spanish autonomous communities, including regional portals and the central SEPE framework. Citations: regional employment services, government portals, and SEPE guidance statements for renewal procedures and penalties.