How much unemployment benefit (paro) pays in Spain and how long it lasts
The unemployment benefit (paro) pays 70% of your regulatory base (base reguladora) for the first 6 months, then 60%. Duration depends on contributions in the last 6 years. Verify both before filing — SEPE calculates on its own data, not your estimate.
Quick answer
- First 6 months: 70% of regulatory base (base reguladora). From month 7: 60%.
- Base reguladora = average of your last 6 monthly contribution bases (contingencias profesionales).
- 2026 minimum: ~€560/month without dependents. Maximum: ~€1,575/month.
- Duration: 4 to 24 months — depends on contributions in the last 6 years (see table and calculator below).
Describe the benefit situation
NAVI will check your right and deadline.
Calculate your exact unemployment benefit (paro) amount
NAVI will review your work history report (vida laboral), last 6 salaries and contributions — and show exact amount and duration.
Calculate my unemployment benefit (paro)Your contributions → unemployment benefit (paro) duration
| Months of contributions | Unemployment benefit (paro) duration |
|---|---|
| 12–17 months | 4 months |
| 18–23 months | 6 months |
| 24–29 months (2 years) | 8 months |
| 30–35 months | 10 months |
| 36–41 months (3 years) | 12 months |
| 42–47 months | 14 months |
| 48–53 months (4 years) | 16 months |
| 54–59 months | 18 months |
| 60–65 months (5 years) | 20 months |
| 66–71 months | 22 months |
| 72 months (6 years) | 24 months — maximum |
What to do first
- Download your work history report (vida laboral) at sede.seg-social.es and count months of contributions in the last 6 years.
- Find your last 6 nóminas — look for the line "base de cotización por contingencias profesionales".
- Check for gaps in contributions — undocumented work or unpaid baja reduces your entitlement.
- If your last months were part-time or on baja, your regulatory base (base reguladora) will be lower — factor this in.
Documents and evidence
- DNI/NIE/TIE or passport.
- SEPE/INSS decision, application receipt or expediente number.
- Work history report (vida laboral), contribution days, income documents and bank details.
Deadlines and risk
- Gaps in contributions add up: even 1 uncounted month drops you one row down in the table.
- Two simultaneous contracts: the periods do not double — SEPE counts unique days only.
- Base reguladora uses your last 6 months: six months part-time or on baja means noticeably less payment.
- Minimum and maximum unemployment benefit (paro) amounts are indexed annually — the exact figures change each budget year.
- Discrepancy in your work history report (vida laboral): SEPE will ask for clarification and delay the decision.
SEPE is paying less than it should?
If the payment does not match your calculation, NAVI will find the reason and prepare a pre-claim appeal (reclamación previa) with the right figures.
Check the SEPE calculationRelated pages
Information only, not legal advice. Public authorities, courts, banks and companies make their own decisions.
Need everyday protection, not just a one-off check?
Included: checks of Spanish documents, letters, requests and contracts before signing, Action Plans, consultation and sending your claims by burofax.