The Superior Court of Justice in Madrid has upheld the termination of unemployment benefits for a woman who failed to notify authorities about her international travel. The court ruled that her absence from Spain for more than 15 days without prior communication justified the cancellation of her benefits, despite her claims of contracting Covid-19 during her trip.
The woman, who was receiving unemployment benefits, traveled to Morocco on February 12, 2022, and returned on March 8, 2022, exceeding the allowable 15-day limit for absence from the country without notifying the Public State Employment Service (SEPE). Upon discovering her failure to report the extended trip, SEPE initiated proceedings against her, ultimately leading to the termination of her benefits. They also demanded repayment of €1,811.93 for the period from February 12 to June 28, 2022.
The court's ruling delineates between short trips and longer stays, emphasizing the importance of communication with the authorities regarding absences. This case was classified as a serious violation of Article 25.3 of the Law on Infringements and Penalties in Social Order.
Although the woman argued that her delayed return was due to testing positive for Covid-19, both the Social Court and the Superior Court backed SEPE's position. The tribunal highlighted that she failed to inform the authorities before her departure, during her stay in Morocco, and after her return. Furthermore, the court concluded that she did not adequately substantiate her reasons for the lack of communication.
For individuals receiving unemployment benefits, it is critical to remain aware of the regulations surrounding travel. If planning to be outside Spain for more than 15 days, notifying the authorities and obtaining prior authorization is essential to prevent the loss of benefits and potential repayment demands in the future.
As reported by talent24h.okdiario.com.
