Introduction
When receiving an unemployment benefit, known as ‘unemployment’, it is essential to comply with a series of obligations to avoid sanctions by the State Public Employment Service (SEPE). Although unemployment provides important financial support during the job search, not following the established rules can have serious consequences.
What can cause a SEPE sanction while unemployment is collected?
1. Not actively looking for work
One of the fundamental requirements to receive unemployment is actively looking for work. The SEPE expects beneficiaries to demonstrate that they are making efforts to find a new job. This may include registering on employment portals, participating in interviews and attending training courses. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to a penalty.
2. Reject suitable job offers
The SEPE considers a ‘suitable job offer’ to be one that fits the beneficiary’s professional profile and training, and that is close to their home. Rejecting a job offer that meets these criteria without justifiable cause may result in penalties. Justifiable reasons may include health problems or family responsibilities that make it difficult to accept employment.
3. Not appearing at the compulsory SEPE appointments
The SEPE may require the presence of the beneficiary for interviews, periodic reviews or work orientation sessions. Failure to attend these appointments without valid justification is another common reason for receiving a penalty.
4. Work without notifying SEPE
If you start working while receiving unemployment, you must notify SEPE immediately. Failure to do so is considered fraud and can result in severe penalties, including the obligation to return benefits improperly received and the imposition of fines.
5. Do not return improper payments
In the event that the SEPE makes improper payments by mistake, the beneficiary has the obligation to return these funds. Failure to do so may result in additional penalties. It is important to carefully review the payments received and contact the SEPE in case of any discrepancies.
What penalties can be imposed?
SEPE sanctions vary depending on the seriousness of the offense and whether it is a first time or a repeat offence. They can include from the temporary suspension of the benefit to the total loss of the right to receive unemployment. For example, rejecting a suitable job offer for the first time may result in suspension of benefits for one month. In serious cases, such as fraud or recidivism in refusing job offers, the SEPE may decide to withdraw the right to receive unemployment completely.
It is important to comply with the obligations established by the SEPE while collecting unemployment to avoid penalties and guarantee the continuity of the benefit.