Unemployment affects workers across all sectors. In Spain, the Public Employment Service, known as BASKET, plays a central role in supporting people during periods of joblessness.
SEPE, the State Public Employment Service, oversees employment policies in Spain. This public body not only provides financial support but also offers career guidance and training to boost employability.
Several unemployment benefits exist in Spain to fit different circumstances. Examples include:
- Contributory Benefit: available to those who have lost their job within the last six years and have contributed at least 360 days.
- Unemployment Benefit: for individuals who have exhausted contributory aid or do not qualify for that aid.
- Asset Increase Income, or RAI: assistance for long-term job seekers, those over 45, or individuals with a disability.
- Extraordinary Unemployment Support, or SED: for people who have run out of other benefits and face special needs situations.
- Allowance for people over 52 who have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
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How to apply for unemployment online
Applying for unemployment benefits online simplifies access to these supports. The following steps summarize the typical process:
- Access the electronic center. Visit the SEPE portal and open the Electronic procedures and services section, then navigate to the Contacts area. There, select Claim your benefit.
- Digital identity. It is essential to have an authentication tool and a password issued through the Cl@ve system, a Digital Certificate, or DNIe. When choosing Access Requests, a range of options will be shown to fit the specific situation.
- Fill out the application. Available requests depend on individual circumstances. A SEPE PDF provides details on all application types. After selecting the relevant option, complete the form. Related attachments may include documents for contribution benefits, special benefits for artists, unemployment benefits, or the Real RAI, each with its own user manual.
- Approve. After completing and reviewing the application, the system displays a dashboard where sections are marked as complete, in progress, or requiring corrections. Errors can be corrected before proceeding. A summary of personal data, legal texts, obligations, and data protection information is shown in the relevant tabs.
- Signature of the application. The signing method depends on the chosen identity tool: Cl@ave username and password, a digital certificate, or Electronic DNI.
- Application receipt. Once all steps are correct, the system confirms the online submission and provides options to save a printed PDF, download a receipt, or view additional information about beneficiary obligations.
Completing the request online speeds things up and eliminates the need to travel. It also allows online tracking of the request in real time and can be started at any time.