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How to apply for unemployment benefits (prestación por desempleo) in Cartagena (2026)

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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 (the paro) in Cartagena, Region of Murcia. Timelines, requirements, amount and how to apply online with SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identification document.

  • Employment certificate

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

  • Bank details (IBAN)

    Bank account in your name to which the benefit will be credited.

  • Employment demand card (DARDE)

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

  • ?

    Up-to-date work history Optional

    Not always required (SEPE can check it directly), but recommended to verify the periods of contributions.

    ⚠️ Recommended to check the days contributed

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 with your regional employment service

    Go to official site

    First, register as a job seeker at the public employment service of Región de Murcia. You can do it online in most autonomous regions. This registration generates the DARDE card you need to apply for unemployment benefits.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the same day as you leave your job or within a few days. The first missed working day is money not received."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefits online (recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 business days from the end of work to apply for the benefit without losing any days. Apply online via SEPE's e-office, by phone (900 818 018, free), or at your local SEPE office.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 3

    Attach the employment certificate

    SEPE needs the employment certificate to calculate your base salary. If the employer has not given it, SEPE will request it directly from them. Do not wait — apply for unemployment benefits even without this document.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check that the employment certificate correctly reflects the reason for termination (dismissal, end of contract, voluntary resignation...). The reason affects whether you are entitled to receive unemployment benefits."

  • 4

    Renew your employment demand card monthly

    Go to official site

    Once granted, you must renew your employment demand card (DARDE) monthly online or at your local SEPE office. If you do not, they may suspend your benefit.

    !

    Expert tip

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

Offices and service points - Cartagena

SEPE Office — Region of Murcia

Locate your nearest office using SEPE's online search: 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 benefits?
You have 15 business days from the end of work. If you exceed this deadline, you will lose the days that have already passed. For example, if you wait 10 business days to apply, you will lose 10 days of benefit.
How much money do I get with unemployment benefits in 2026?
For the first 180 days, you receive 70% of your base salary. Starting from day 181, it is 60%. The base salary is calculated based on the average of the last 180 working days' contribution bases. There are a minimum and maximum amount.
How many days of unemployment benefits can I claim?
It depends on the number of contributed days in the last 6 years. With 360 contributed days, you have a right to 120 days of unemployment benefit. The maximum is 720 days (2 years) if you have contributed 2,160 days or more.
Can I receive unemployment benefits even if I voluntarily left the company?
Generally, no. Voluntary departure does not entitle you to contributory unemployment benefit. You may be eligible for a special case subsidy (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 the benefit with part-time work (the payment is reduced proportionally). You can also capitalize the benefit to become self-employed. If you work full-time without notifying SEPE, they will terminate 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.