The consumer organization demands the elimination of prior appointments for emergencies in Social Security and SEPE.

Need to apply for retirement or unemployment benefits? Well, get ready: you might have to wait weeks. Or you simply can't get an appointment. OCU has focused on the chaos at the Social Security and SEPE offices. And its diagnosis is clear: the fault lies with the mandatory prior appointment.

The OCU study across 26 provinces is devastating. In more than half of the attempts, no appointment was obtained in the same city. Cities like Granada, Tarragona, Valencia, or Zaragoza are in the red: after six attempts, impossible. However, in Bilbao, Murcia, and Málaga there is some improvement, but the average wait is around 20 to 28 days. For unemployment benefits, the outlook is worse: in Barcelona and Tarragona no appointments were even showing up. In others, like Albacete or Oviedo, the waiting time went to 28 or 32 days.

OCU describes it as 'unacceptable'. The prior appointment was implemented as an exceptional measure during the pandemic, but has become a filter that, according to the organization, prevents equal access to essential services. The elderly and vulnerable groups suffer the most. If you don't have a digital certificate, your only option is in-person, and there you hit a wall.

OCU's proposal is clear: eliminate the mandatory prior appointment for urgent procedures. They want a 'priority lane' for procedures like retirement or unemployment. They also ask for maximum deadlines: five days for urgent matters, ten for the rest. And they demand digital support for those who want to obtain the certificate and more informational campaigns.

If you are in the middle of a procedure and can't get an appointment, don't despair. OCU recommends persisting online, but if the deadline is approaching, you can file a complaint. The collapse is real and the administrations know it. For now, you have to arm yourself with patience, but don't give up.

If you have difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria