What the paro is and what to do soon after your job ends
Unemployment benefit, widely called the paro, is paid by the state employment service SEPE to people who have lost their job and have paid enough unemployment contributions. You need to be registered as a jobseeker with your regional employment service first, and it is best to claim soon after your job ends. You can apply online or, with an appointment, at a SEPE benefits office.
How it works
Claim unemployment benefit after losing your job.
If you lose your job, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit, usually if you have worked and paid contributions for long enough. Apply as soon as possible, because a late claim can cost you days of payment. You usually need your ID, your employment contract or dismissal letter, a certificate of employment from your employer and your bank details; work in other EU countries can count towards your entitlement. In many countries you must also register as a jobseeker. The benefit office decides whether you qualify and how much you receive.
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At a glance
Large cities can have several benefits offices
Many people apply online, but each SEPE benefits office also takes claims in person, usually after you book. In cities with several offices you go to the one named in your appointment.
Guides
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Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Berlin, Bremen, and Aachen
Most offices in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Łódź, and Opole
Most offices in Aalst, Antwerp, and Arlon
Most offices in Amsterdam, Almelo, and Enschede
Most offices in Akranes, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir
Where to next
SEPE benefits offices that take unemployment claims in person: appointments and what to have ready.
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