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How to apply for unemployment benefit (paro) in San Sebastian (2026)

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Cost

Free

Free. The amount 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 to applying for the contributory unemployment benefit (paro) in San Sebastian, Pais Vasco. Time limits, requirements, amount and how to do it online through SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identity document.

  • Employer's certificate

    Document issued by the employer upon termination of employment. Provided automatically by the company, but if not received, SEPE can request it.

  • Bank account details (IBAN)

    Bank account in the name of the applicant for payment of the benefit.

  • Job demand card (DARDE)

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

  • ?

    Up-to-date work history Optional

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

    ⚠️ Recommended for checking contribution days

0 €
Free. The amount 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 with the autonomous region's public employment service. You can do this online in most regions. This registration generates the DARDE card needed for your unemployment application.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the same day you leave work or in the following days. Losing one contribution day means losing money."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefit online (recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 working days from leaving your job to apply without losing time. Do it online on SEPE's electronic portal, by phone (900 818 018, free), or at a SEPE office.

    !

    Expert tip

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

  • 3

    Attach the employer's certificate

    SEPE needs this to calculate your base salary. If the company hasn't given it, SEPE can request it directly. Don’t wait — apply for unemployment even if you don't have it yet.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Check that the employer's certificate correctly reflects the reason for termination (dismissal, end of contract, voluntary resignation...). The reason affects your right to receive unemployment benefit."

  • 4

    Renew job demand monthly

    Go to official site

    Once you receive the benefit, you must renew your job demand (DARDE) monthly online or at a SEPE office. Failing to do so may result in suspension of the benefit.

    !

    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 - San Sebastian

SEPE Office — Pais Vasco

Locate your nearest office using the SEPE online finder: sepe.es/oficinas

900 818 018
Free hotline: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 14:00. Check local hours of operation for your office on SEPE’s website.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to apply for unemployment?
You have 15 working days from the end of employment. If you miss this deadline, you will lose days that have passed. For example, if you wait 10 working days before applying, you will lose 10 days of benefit.
How much does unemployment benefit amount to 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 calculated as an average of the last 180 working days' contributions. There are a minimum and maximum amounts.
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 benefit. The maximum is 720 days (two years) if you have contributed for 2,160 days or more.
Can I receive unemployment benefits after a voluntary resignation?
In general, no. Voluntary departure does not entitle you to the contributory unemployment benefit. You might be eligible for a jobseeker’s allowance in some specific cases (domestic violence, illness, care of a relative). Consult SEPE about your specific situation.
Can I work while receiving unemployment benefits?
Yes, but there are conditions. You can combine part-time work with the benefit (the payment is reduced proportionally). You can also capitalize on the benefit to become self-employed. If you work full-time without informing SEPE, your benefit will be withdrawn 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.