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How to apply for unemployment benefits (jobseeker's allowance) in Santander (2026)

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Cost

Free

Free. The benefit is between 60-70% of your basic salary.

Time at office

0 minutes (online) / 30 min (in person)

Estimated time

15-30 days for resolution and first payment

Quick summary

Complete guide on applying for the contributory unemployment benefit (jobseeker's allowance) in Santander, Cantabria. Timeframes, requirements, amount and how to do it online at SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identity document.

  • Company termination certificate

    Document issued by the company upon ending your employment. Provided automatically by the company, but if not received, SEPE can request it.

  • Bank account details (IBAN)

    Bank account in your name for benefit payments.

  • Jobseeker registration certificate (DARDE)

    You must be registered as a job seeker with the Cantabria employment service before or during application.

  • ?

    Current employment history Optional

    Not always required (SEPE can check it directly), but advisable to verify your contribution days.

    ⚠️ Recommended for verifying accrued days

0 €
Free. The benefit is between 60-70% of your basic salary. €0.00
€0.00
€0.00

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Register as a job seeker with the Cantabria employment service

    Go to official site

    First, register as a job seeker in the public employment service of Cantabria. You can do this online in most autonomous communities. This registration generates the DARDE certificate you need to apply for unemployment benefits.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the day you stop working or within a few days. Each lost day of contribution is money not received."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefits at SEPE (online recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 business days from stopping work to apply without losing any days. Do it online on the SEPE website, by phone (900 818 018, free), or in your local SEPE office.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online process is the fastest. Identify with Cl@ve PIN (free) or digital certificate."

  • 3

    Attach the company termination certificate

    SEPE needs this to calculate your basic salary. If the company does not provide it, SEPE will request it directly. Do not wait — apply for unemployment benefits even if you do not have it yet.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check that the company termination certificate correctly reflects the reason for departure (layoff, end of contract, voluntary resignation...). The reason affects your right to receive unemployment benefits."

  • 4

    Renew jobseeker registration monthly

    Go to official site

    Once granted, you must renew your jobseeker registration (DARDE) monthly online or in your local SEPE office. If not renewed, your benefit may be suspended.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Set up reminders in the SEPE app to avoid missing monthly renewals. The exact date depends on when you registered as a job seeker."

Offices and service points - Santander

SEPE Office — Cantabria

Find your nearest office using the SEPE locator: sepe.es/oficinas

900 818 018
Free line: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 14:00. Consult local hours for your office on the SEPE website.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to apply for unemployment benefits?
You have 15 business days from the end of employment. If you miss this deadline, you will lose days that have passed. For example, if you wait 10 business days to apply, you will lose 10 days of benefit.
How much money do I get in unemployment benefits in 2026?
The first 180 days you receive 70% of your basic salary. From day 181, it's 60%. The basic salary is calculated based on the average of the last 180 working days. There is a minimum (higher if you have dependents) and a maximum.
How many days of unemployment benefits can I claim?
It depends on your accrued contribution days in the past six years. With 360 contribution days, you are entitled to 120 days of unemployment benefits. The maximum is 720 days (two years) if you have contributed for 2,160 days or more.
Can I claim unemployment benefits if I left voluntarily?
In general, no. Voluntary departure does not entitle you to contributory unemployment benefit. You may be eligible for the jobseeker's allowance in certain special cases (domestic violence, illness, care of a family member). Consult SEPE about your specific situation.
Can I work while receiving unemployment benefits?
Yes, but there are conditions. You can combine partial employment with unemployment benefit (proportionally reduced benefit). You can also capitalize the benefit to become self-employed. If you work full-time without informing SEPE, your benefit will be withdrawn and you may have to repay it.

Official sources and useful links

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official source for current information.