Calculator · 2026
Find out how much you would receive each month from SEPE if you lose your job in Spain, and for how long, with the 2026 figures.
The contributory unemployment benefit (prestación contributiva por desempleo, commonly called el paro) is paid by the public employment service, SEPE. It depends on three things: what you were contributing before losing your job, how long you have contributed and whether you have dependent children.
It is the average of your Social Security contribution bases over the last 180 days worked, excluding overtime (base reguladora). If you earned €24,000 gross a year with the extra payments spread over 12 months, your base is around €2,000 a month. The calculator estimates it that way, capped at the maximum contribution base (€5,101.20 in 2026).
For the first 180 days you receive 70% of the benefit base. From day 181, 60%.
The amount can never be below a minimum or above a maximum, which depend on IPREM, an official reference income (€600 a month in 2026), and on your children:
| Situation | Minimum per month | Maximum per month |
|---|---|---|
| No children | €560 | €1,225 |
| 1 child | €749 | €1,400 |
| 2 or more children | €749 | €1,575 |
For part-time work, the limits are reduced in the same proportion.
SEPE keeps paying your Social Security contributions while you receive the benefit, but deducts your share: 4.70% of the benefit base. That is why the net amount is a little lower than the gross one.
A detail few people know: because this deduction is calculated on the benefit base and not on what you receive, people who earned more and hit the maximum take home slightly less than those just at the limit. With a previous salary of €40,000, the net for the first months is about €1,068; with €25,000, about €1,127.
Unemployment benefit is also subject to income tax, but withholding is usually zero because the yearly amounts are below the threshold. If you had other income that year, you may owe something in your annual tax return.
It depends on the days you have contributed in the last 6 years. You need at least 360 days (12 months) to qualify.
| Days contributed | Days of benefit | Months |
|---|---|---|
| 360 to 539 | 120 | 4 |
| 540 to 719 | 180 | 6 |
| 720 to 899 | 240 | 8 |
| 900 to 1,079 | 300 | 10 |
| 1,080 to 1,259 | 360 | 12 |
| 1,260 to 1,439 | 420 | 14 |
| 1,440 to 1,619 | 480 | 16 |
| 1,620 to 1,799 | 540 | 18 |
| 1,800 to 1,979 | 600 | 20 |
| 1,980 to 2,159 | 660 | 22 |
| 2,160 or more | 720 | 24 |
| Gross annual salary | Net, first 6 months | Net, from month 7 |
|---|---|---|
| €15,000 | €816 | €691 |
| €18,000 | €980 | €830 |
| €22,000 | €1,139 | €1,014 |
| €25,000 | €1,127 | €1,127 |
| €30,000 | €1,108 | €1,108 |
| €40,000 | €1,068 | €1,068 |
No children, full time. Net monthly amounts after the Social Security deduction.
Yes, on the same terms as Spanish workers, as long as you are legally resident, have contributed enough and live in Spain while you receive it. You must register as a job seeker with your regional employment service.
No. Resigning voluntarily does not give you the right to the benefit. Dismissal (including disciplinary dismissal), the end of a temporary contract or failing the probation period at the employer's decision do.
Within 15 working days after your job ends. If you apply later, you lose the days of delay.
You do not qualify for the contributory benefit, but you may be entitled to an unemployment allowance (subsidio). Check your case with SEPE.
It is an estimate. SEPE calculates your benefit base from your actual contribution bases, which may vary with overtime, sick leave or salary changes in recent months.