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How to apply for unemployment benefit (prestación por desempleo) in Vitoria-Gasteiz (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 decision and first payment

Quick summary

Complete guide to applying for the contributory unemployment benefit (paro) in Vitoria-Gasteiz, País Vasco. Timeframes, requirements, amount and how to apply online at SEPE in 2026.

Required documents

  • Valid DNI or NIE

    Valid identification document.

  • Employment termination certificate

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

  • Bank account details (IBAN)

    Bank account in your name for benefit payment.

  • Job search card (DARDE)

    Must be registered as a job seeker with the autonomous region's employment service before or during application. This generates the DARDE card needed to apply for unemployment benefits.

  • ?

    Up-to-date work history Optional

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

    ⚠️ Recommended to verify the number of 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 with 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 benefits.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Register on the same day or within a few days of leaving work. The first contribution day lost is money that won't be paid."

  • 2

    Apply for unemployment benefits at SEPE (online recommended)

    Go to official site

    You have 15 working days from the end of employment to apply without losing any days. Do this online on the SEPE website, by phone (900 818 018, free), or at your local SEPE office.

    !

    Expert tip

    "The online process is fastest. Use Cl@ve PIN (free) or a digital certificate to identify yourself."

  • 3

    Attach the employment termination certificate

    SEPE needs this certificate for calculating your base salary. If the employer hasn't given it, SEPE can request it directly. Apply even if you don't have it yet.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Make sure the employment termination certificate correctly reflects the reason (dismissal, contract end, voluntary resignation). The reason affects whether you are entitled to unemployment benefits."

  • 4

    Renew job search monthly

    Go to official site

    Once granted, renew your job search (DARDE) monthly online or at your SEPE office. Failure to do so may result in suspension of benefits.

    !

    Expert tip

    "Enable reminders in the SEPE app for monthly job search renewal. The exact date depends on when you registered as a job seeker."

Offices and service points - Vitoria

SEPE Office — País Vasco

Find your nearest office using the SEPE online locator: 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 working days from the end of employment. If you miss this deadline, you will lose those days. For example, if you wait 10 working days to apply, you will lose 10 days of benefits.
How much do unemployment benefits pay in 2026?
For the first 180 days, you receive 70% of your base salary. From day 181 onwards, it's 60%. The base salary is calculated as the average of the last 180 working days' salaries. There are minimum and maximum amounts.
How many days of unemployment benefits am I entitled to?
It depends on your contribution days in the last 6 years. With 360 contribution days, you are entitled to 120 days of unemployment benefits. The maximum is 720 days (2 years) if you have contributed for at least 2,160 days.
Can I claim unemployment benefits if I resigned voluntarily?
Generally, no. Voluntary resignation does not qualify for contributory unemployment benefit. However, you might be eligible in some special cases (domestic violence, illness, caring for a family member). Consult SEPE about your specific situation.
Can I work while claiming unemployment benefits?
Yes, but with conditions. You can combine part-time employment with unemployment benefit payments (the payment is reduced proportionally). You can also use the period of unemployment 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.