Spain's Social Security shifts medical leave notifications to electronic-only

Starting September 1, the Spanish Social Security administration has transitioned to exclusively electronic notifications for workers on medical leave. This change affects individuals requesting or receiving benefits for temporary disability, permanent disability, and non-disabling permanent injuries.

Official communications will no longer be sent via traditional postal mail for these groups. Instead, notifications must be accessed through digital platforms, including the Social Security Electronic Office (SEDESS), the ‘Mi Carpeta Ciudadana’ app or website, and the Unique Enabled Electronic Address (DEHú). Access requires digital identification such as Cl@ve, DNIe, or an electronic certificate.

While the administration may send courtesy alerts via SMS or email to notify users of new documents, these alerts do not constitute the official notification itself. Users have a legal window of 10 calendar days to open and read the notification. Failure to do so within this timeframe may result in the notification being deemed rejected, potentially leading to missed deadlines for appeals or the suspension of benefits.