Let’s talk about something no one really prepares you for: getting paid. I’m mostly speaking from experience in the Valencia region, but honestly, this can happen in other regions too. Valencia just happens to be a little more notorious for it. The good news? There is a system. The bad news? It doesn’t always run on time.
First, Understanding the Payment Process
Before you panic, it helps to know how your money actually moves.
- Your school submits a monthly evaluation report. Your coordinator fills out an evaluation form confirming that you showed up and that you did your job. This is required for you to get paid.
- It goes to the Conselleria. They review it and calculate your payment. Your pay can vary slightly if you missed days and if you had unjustified absences. So yes, like any job, you’re paid for the days you actually work.
- Then it’s sent to Hacienda (tax authorities). This is where the payment is finalized and sent out.
School → Conselleria → Payroll (Hacienda) → Espenta → Your bank
Tracking Your Payment (Valencia-Specific)
In Valencia, we’re lucky to have GVA Espenta. Here, you can see:
- When your payment is processed
- When it’s sent
- When it’s marked as paid
This is your best friend when trying to figure out what’s going on.
So… When Should You Worry?
Normally, payments are “expected” around the 10th–15th of each month. If that window passes, here’s how to approach it: If NOTHING shows up on Espenta, this usually means your school may not have submitted your documents yet, or it’s just Spain being painfully slow.
What to do:
- Talk to your coordinator
- Politely confirm that everything was sent
If they haven’t submitted it, that’s the issue. If they have submitted it, then it’s out of their hands and control.
If it shows up, BUT no “Número de Pago.”
This means the Conselleria has processed it, but it hasn’t been finalized by Hacienda yet. At this point:
- It’s no longer your school’s responsibility
- Technically, no longer the Conselleria’s responsibility
- It’s moving through the system (slowly…)
What you can do:
- Let your coordinator know (they might follow up)
- Ask in aux group chats (people often share helpful contacts)
- Try reaching out to the Conselleria if delays are long
If it has a “Número de Pago.”
The good news is that the payment has been approved and released. Now you’re just waiting for it to hit your bank account. This could also take a day or two.
The Reality No One Sugarcoats
Valencia is unpredictable. Delays happen, sometimes more than once. And yes, it can feel frustrating when you’re literally waiting on money you’ve already worked for. For some people, this is their main source of income, which makes it even more stressful. Like, how are you supposed to pay for transport to work if you haven’t been paid yet? It’s not ideal, and it’s okay to acknowledge that.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re a current or future auxiliar, do yourself a favor:
- Come with savings (seriously)
- Have a financial backup (family, friends, etc.)
- Consider tutoring or a side income
Even just a little cushion can make a huge difference when delays happen.
When to Push vs. When to Wait
- If nothing has been submitted → push (politely)
- If it’s in the system (Espenta) → be patient (but stay aware)
- If it’s taking too long → escalate through your coordinator, Conselleria, or Hacienda (optional)
It’s a balance. This experience gives you so much, but it will also test you. And if there’s one thing Spain will teach you real quick, it’s patience. Like, real patience! But now at least you know how the process works, what each stage means, and when to speak up. So you’re not just sitting there wondering what’s going on.
Buena suerte, and may your payment hit your account sooner rather than later. To get a better understanding of tracking your payment in the VLG region, check out this blog.
-> How to Track Your Payment in the Valencia Region: Espenta Explanation Guide
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
