Procesli
ES EN

How to apply for unemployment benefit (2026)

Verified on:

Cost

Free

Free. The benefit is between 60-70% of your base 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 how to apply for the contributory unemployment benefit (paro) in Castellón de la Plana, Valencian Community. Timeframes, requirements, amount and how to do it online with SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identity document.

  • Employment certificate

    Document issued by the employer at the end of your employment relationship. It is automatically provided, but if you do not receive it, SEPE can request it from your former employer.

  • Bank account details (IBAN)

    Bank account in your name for the benefit to be deposited into.

  • Demand of employment card (DARDE)

    You must be registered as a job seeker at the public employment service of your autonomous community before or during the application process.

  • ?

    Up-to-date work history Optional

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

    ⚠️ Recommended for verifying contribution days

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

: 2026

Step by step

  • 1

    Register as a job seeker at the regional employment service

    Go to official site

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

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the same day as your last working day or within a few days. The first day of lost contribution is money you won't receive."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefit online (recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 calendar days from ceasing employment to apply without losing any days. Do it online on the SEPE website, by phone (900 818 018, free of charge) 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 your employment certificate

    SEPE needs this document to calculate your base salary. If your former employer hasn't given it, SEPE will request it directly. Don't wait — apply even if you don't have the certificate yet.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check that the employment certificate correctly reflects the reason for cessation (dismissal, end of contract, voluntary resignation...). The reason affects whether or not you are entitled to receive unemployment benefit."

  • 4

    Renew your demand for employment monthly

    Go to official site

    Once the benefit is granted, you must renew your demand for employment (DARDE) monthly online or at your local SEPE office. If you don't do this, you may lose your benefit.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Set 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 - Castellon

SEPE Office — Valencian Community

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

900 818 018
Free hotline: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 14:00. Check local office hours on the SEPE website.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do I have to apply for unemployment?
You have 15 calendar days from the end of employment. If you wait longer, you will lose any days that pass. For example, if you wait 10 working days before applying, you will lose 10 days of benefit.
How much money does unemployment benefit pay in 2026?
For the first 180 days, you receive 70% of your base salary. From day 181 onwards, it is 60%. The base salary is based on the average of your contribution periods over the last 180 working days. There is a minimum and maximum amount.
How many days of unemployment benefit am I entitled to?
It depends on the number of contribution days in the past six years. With 360 contribution days, you are entitled to 120 days of unemployment benefit. The maximum is 720 days (two years) if you have contributed for at least 2,160 days.
Can I receive unemployment benefit if I left my job voluntarily?
Generally, no. Voluntary departure does not entitle you to the contributory unemployment benefit. You may be eligible for a solidarity unemployment subsidy in some special cases (domestic violence, illness, care of family member). Check with SEPE about your specific situation.
Can I work while receiving unemployment benefit?
Yes, but there are conditions. You can combine the benefit with part-time employment (the amount is reduced proportionally). You may also use the benefit to become self-employed. If you work full-time without informing SEPE, they will stop your benefit and you might have to repay it.

This procedure in other cities

Official sources and useful links

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