A worker receiving unemployment benefits in another EU member state can return to Spain and continue receiving that benefit at the same amount. They must certify it and register as a job seeker.
According to Levante-EMV, workers receiving unemployment benefits in another EU country can return to Spain without losing that right. This is explained by Fernando Maján, advisor to the General Subdirectorate of Benefits of the State Public Employment Service (SEPE), in a podcast where he answered a query about the export of unemployment benefits.
Maján clarifies that, if the benefit is exported, the worker continues to receive the aid recognised in the country of origin at the same amount and under the same conditions. The amount is not recalculated according to Spanish regulations.
“You can come to Spain and continue receiving the benefit from there, both at the same amount and under the same conditions.”
To do this, the interested party must certify the export, complete the corresponding procedures, and register as a job seeker in Spain. The advisor summarises the requirement in one sentence: “the only thing to do is certify it and register as a job seeker in Spain.”
The export lasts three months initially and can be extended for another three months, making the maximum duration six months if the extension is authorised. During this time, the aid remains the responsibility of the unemployment system of the country that recognised it.
If the worker finds temporary employment in Spain, the exported benefit is suspended for the duration of that contract. Maján warns that, when the contract ends for an involuntary reason and the requirements of Spanish legislation are met, the person can apply for a new benefit in Spain. In that case, the amount will be calculated according to Spanish regulations, so the previous amount is not automatically recovered.
You may also like
