If You Need a Tender Hand

Here are options for home help for elders in Spain, subsidized programs.

Tax Deductions and Financial Benefits

there are various social aids and tax benefits aimed at people over 65 years old to improve their well-being and quality of life. Below are some of the most common ones

Tax benefits:

Increase in personal and family allowance in the IRPF (Personal Income Tax):

• Individuals over 65 are entitled to an increase in their personal and family allowance in their income tax return. This means a reduction in the taxable base, lowering the amount of taxes to be paid.
• The increase is higher for those over 75.

Exemption on capital gains:

• If a person over 65 sells their primary residence, they are exempt from paying taxes on the capital gains obtained from the sale, provided it has been their primary residence for at least 3 years.
• For any sale of assets with capital gains, if the money is reinvested in an annuity, they may benefit from tax exemptions.

Deductions for dependency:

• There are specific deductions for elderly individuals in situations of dependency or with disabilities, both for them and for their family members who care for them.

Social assistance:

Non-contributory pension:

• Individuals over 65 who do not qualify for a contributory pension and lack sufficient financial resources can access a non-contributory retirement pension.
• The requirements vary by autonomous community, but in general, income and assets are evaluated.

Minimum pension supplement:

• If the contributory retirement pension is below the legally established minimum, the State grants a supplement to ensure a minimum monthly income.

Free or reduced transportation card:

• In many autonomous communities, people over 65 can access free or discounted public transportation.

Rental assistance:

• Some autonomous communities offer specific rental assistance for people over 65 with low incomes.

Subsidized Programs

Social Welfare programs are run by the central government (Ministerio), autonomous community (Departamento/Consejería) and the city hall. It can be called “asuntos sociales”, “bienestar social”.

City Hall Day-to-Day Assistance

Ayuda a Domicilio (Home Help Service): Offered by local municipalities, this service provides assistance with daily activities such as cleaning, cooking, and personal care.

Teleasistencia (Telecare): This service provides emergency assistance and support via telephone or alarm systems, helping elderly individuals to live independently at home.

Meal Delivery Programs: Meals on Wheels and similar programs ensure that retirees who cannot cook for themselves receive nutritious meals.

Day centers and nursing homes: There are subsidies to finance stays in public or subsidized day centers or nursing homes for elderly people who need continuous care.

Family caregiver benefits: If a family member is responsible for taking care of a dependent elderly person, they can apply for financial assistance to cover part of the care expenses.

• Eligibility: Typically for elderly individuals with limited resources or those who have been assessed as having a level of dependency. Help may vary depending on the income according to the income tax declaration.

Example Brouchure

It includes the program Sistema para la Autonomía y Atención a la Dependencia (System for Autonomy and Care for Dependency, SAAD) : This is the national system in Spain that provides financial support and services to dependent individuals, including the elderly.

• Services: Personal care, day centers, residential care, and home help.
• Eligibility: Based on an assessment of the individual’s level of dependency.

It is also very popular for organising trips for seniors: Trips IMSERSO.