Spain Social Security electronic notification mandate

Effective September 1, 2026, the Spanish Social Security administration has implemented new regulations requiring mandatory electronic notifications for specific groups. This transition moves official communications away from traditional postal mail for applicants and recipients of temporary disability benefits, permanent disability, and non-disabling permanent injuries.

Under the new mandate, official documents—including medical discharge notices, documentation requests, and benefit resolutions—must be accessed through digital platforms such as the Social Security Electronic Office (SEDESS), the ‘Mi Carpeta Ciudadana’ app, or the Unique Enabled Electronic Address (DEHú). Accessing these documents requires digital identification methods like Cl@ve, an electronic DNI, or a digital certificate.

While the administration may provide courtesy alerts via SMS or email, these do not constitute official legal notification. Users have a 10-calendar-day window to access the notification; failure to do so may result in the notification being deemed rejected, which could lead to missed appeal deadlines or the suspension of benefits. Additionally, Spanish pensioners living abroad are now required to provide proof of life twice a year via the VIVESS mobile application to maintain payments.