Once you have received the lump-sum payment, you must start the activity within one month and submit documentation proving that the money has been invested in that activity.

The amount received must be used for the planned activity, in line with the project proposal included in your file.

If the activity you start differs from the one described in the application and project proposal, but still complies with the applicable regulations, you must submit a new proposal along with any additional documentation requested by the State Public Employment Service (SEPE).

Three possible scenarios may arise:

1.- The new activity meets the legal requirements, the project is considered viable, and the amount required to launch it matches the amount originally granted. In this case, the entitlement remains in force.

2.- The new activity meets the legal requirements and is considered viable, but the amount granted does not match the new proposal. In this case, SEPE will issue a new decision adjusting the amount to the revised project and, where applicable, will claim reimbursement of any unduly received amounts.

3.- The legal requirements are not met and the project is not considered viable. In this case, SEPE will require repayment of the full amount received as a lump sum.
Full repayment of the net capitalised amount paid will be required in the following cases:

• If you do not start the activity and fail to provide valid justification.
• If the amount granted is not used to join a cooperative or employee-owned company as a member or worker.
• If the amount is not used to carry out a self-employed activity.

If the unemployment benefit is used for purposes other than the activity for which it was capitalised, this may be considered a very serious offence. This entails the loss of the unemployment benefit and exclusion from the right to receive any economic benefit or employment promotion aid for one year.

More information at: Capitalise your benefit.