If you have been sent to prison, it is important to distinguish whether this is pre-trial or temporary detention, or if your imprisonment is to serve a sentence.

If it is pre-trial or provisional detention, the unemployment benefit or allowance you were receiving before entering prison will not be interrupted. However, you must inform the regional employment service.

If your imprisonment is to serve a sentence, your unemployment benefits will be suspended during that time, unless you have family responsibilities and no family income exceeding the minimum wage (SMI). In that case, you may request to continue receiving payments through one of the following options:

• If you have a digital certificate, electronic ID or Cl@ve login, you can submit your application:
  • Through the e-office: document management.
  • Or via the electronic registry: common electronic registry.
• In person at your benefits office, with an appointment (by phone or via the SEPE e-office). An authorised person may submit it on your behalf with the continuity form.
• You may also submit the application at any authorised public registry.

If payments were made into your bank account, they will continue without changes. If you collected payments in person, you will need to authorise someone to collect them on your behalf.

In both cases, if you were receiving a subsidy when you entered prison, you may request an extension within 15 working days after the recognised period ends.

During the sentence, no new entitlements will be granted, even if you have family responsibilities.

In all cases, you are required to inform the regional employment service.