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How to apply for unemployment benefit (pension por desempleo) in Bilbao (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 applying for contributory unemployment benefit (the pension) in Bilbao, Basque Country. Timeframes, requirements, amount and how to do it online via SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identification document.

  • Company 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.

  • Bank account details (IBAN)

    Bank account in your name for benefit payment.

  • Demand for employment card (DARDE)

    You must be registered as a job seeker at the autonomous community’s employment service before or during application.

  • ?

    Updated work history Optional

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

    ⚠️ Recommended for checking 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 autonomous region’s public employment service. You can do this online in most regions. This registration generates the DARDE card you need to apply for unemployment benefit.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the same day you stop working or within a few days. The first day of lost contribution is money you will not receive."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefit online (recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 business days from the end of employment to apply without losing days. Do it online on SEPE’s e-Sede, by phone (900 818 018, free), or at your local SEPE office.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 3

    Submit the company certificate

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

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check that the company certificate accurately reflects the reason for cessation (dismissal, end of contract, voluntary resignation...). The reason affects whether you are entitled to receive the 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 do not, they may suspend 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 - Bilbao

SEPE Office — Basque Country

Find your nearest office via SEPE’s online finder: sepe.es/oficinas

900 818 018
Free line: Mon-Fri 08:00 - 14:00. Consult local office hours on the SEPE website.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to apply for unemployment?
You have 15 business days from the end of employment. If you miss this deadline, you will lose those days. For example, if you wait 10 business days to apply, you will lose 10 days of benefit.
How much money do I get from unemployment in 2026?
For the first 180 days, you receive 70% of your base salary. Starting day 181, 60%. The base salary is calculated based on the average of the last 180 working days’ contributions. There is a minimum (and higher if you have dependents) and a maximum.
How many days of unemployment benefit am I entitled to?
It depends on your contribution days in the last six years. With 360 contribution days, you are entitled to 120 days of unemployment. The maximum is 720 days (two years) if you have contributed at least 2,160 days.
Can I claim unemployment benefit if I left voluntarily?
Generally no. Voluntary resignation does not entitle you to contributory unemployment benefit. You may be eligible for the social unemployment subsidy in certain exceptional 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 benefit entitlement (the amount is reduced proportionally). You may also capitalize the benefit to become self-employed. If you work full-time without informing SEPE, they will withdraw your benefit and may require repayment.

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.