Introduction
Living in Spain can offer a wonderful quality of life, but as we age or face health challenges, we may need extra support. Care provision in Spain can differ greatly from other countries, so it’s important to understand how to access it when needed.
This guide will walk you through the basics of the care system in Spain and the various options and the eligibility criteria. It includes state-provided support and services, private care and financial assistance. It also explains what to do if you or a loved one need residential care.
Understanding the Care System in Spain
Key differences to other countries
Family responsibility: In Spain, family members are expected to play an active role in providing care.
State support is means-tested: Assistance depends on one's financial resources and is available to those with the right to permanent residency.
Regional differences: Each autonomous region in Spain manages its own social care services, so service availability may vary.
How to Access State Support
Social Services
Each of Spain’s autonomous regions take responsibility for social care. It is then delivered at an even more local level. You should therefore check the services and benefits available in your area, the eligibility criteria for these and the documentation required to prove your entitlement. These may vary across a region.
Generally however, you or your representative, will need to submit any application for support through your local social services department, which is usually located within the town hall (Ayuntamiento). In some areas the services are stretched and you may have to wait to be seen by a Social Worker.
If you are in hospital and your doctor believes you will need extra support at home, the Social Worker connected to the hospital will usually visit and discuss your options for discharge. If they believe that there is someone at home who can care for you, they will discharge you into their care. It is really important to stress to the Social Worker if the person at home is unable to provide you with adequate care. You may need to consider the worst case scenario.
If your situation is urgent, and you are unable to secure an appointment with your local Social Workers directly, talk this through with your doctor to request an urgent referral to Social Services.
The Ley de Dependencia (Dependency Law)
On a national level, Spain’s Ley de Dependencia provides state-funded support for people who need help with daily living due to illness, disability, or aging.
To qualify, you must:
have legally resided in Spain for at least 5 years (including the last 2 years immediately before applying).
complete an assessment process to determine your level of dependency.
apply through your local Social Services office (Ayuntamiento).
Expect delays: The process can take up to 2 years and support is means-tested (dependent on income and savings).
Language Barrier Warning
All applications and assessments are conducted in Spanish. If you are not fluent, you may need to hire an interpreter to avoid miscommunication and ensure you get the right level of support.
What if you need extra care at home?
Option 1: Public (State-funded) Care
Requires assessment under the Ley de Dependencia.
May include financial aid or home care services.
You may need to pay a contribution towards the costs.
Care workers may not speak English.
Option 2: Private Home Care
You can hire private care services directly.
Costs vary, but are typically between €12–€25 per hour.
Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbours, or online reviews.
Always check if the company is licensed and reputable.
What If You Need a Care Home?
Option 1: Public (State-funded) Nursing Homes
Requires assessment under the Ley de Dependencia.
Limited spaces available—often long waiting lists.
Most staff and residents will speak Spanish.
May be far from where you live.
Option 2: Private Nursing Homes
You can arrange a place directly.
Costs range from €1,500–€3,500+ per month.
Services and language availability vary—visit in person before deciding.
Applying for State Support
Step 1: Contact Servicios Sociales at your local town hall.
Step 2: Request an assessment for Grado de Dependencia (dependency status).
Step 3: If approved, you may receive financial aid or a place in a state-funded home.
Financial Assistance for Care
UK Benefits for British Expats in Spain
If you were a UK resident in Spain before January 1, 2021 (protected under the Withdrawal Agreement) and are a pensioner, you may be eligible for:
UK Attendance Allowance (not means-tested, but considered in Spanish - financial means calculations).
Carer’s Allowance if you care for 35+ hours for someone who qualifies and you have a low income.
Sickness & Disability Benefits in Spain
🔹 Healthcare Coverage. If you are employed, self-employed, retired, or receiving benefits, you have access to public healthcare (Seguridad Social).
🔹 Temporary Sick Pay (Incapacidad Temporal). Paid to workers who cannot work due to illness. 60% of salary from days 4 to 20, then 75% from day 21. You must be signed off by a doctor and attend medical reviews.
🔹 Long-Term Disability Benefits:
Incapacidad Permanente: Pension for those unable to work long-term.
Ley de Dependencia Aid: Financial support for care needs.
Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV): Support for low-income individuals.
Other Considerations
Power of Attorney in Spain
If you may need someone to act on your behalf, consider setting up a Poder Notarial (Power of Attorney).
Returning to the UK for Care
If you are considering moving back to the UK, be aware that proving habitual residence can take up to 6 months before you are eligible for UK social care.
Planning Ahead
If you want to put your affairs in order, read our guide on end-of-life planning.
Comments