Social benefits are intended to cover financial needs and expenses related to the birth of a child or adoption, as well as care for a disabled child. The amount of benefits varies depending on family and economic circumstances. Check what social benefits are due to foreigners living in Spain.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed by Spain states that “all human beings are born free and equal in respect to dignity and rights”, regardless of race, color, sex, religion or political views.
Foreigners with the right to reside legally in Spain can obtain assistance from the state on the same terms as Spanish citizens. Being a foreigner in no way doesn’t mean increasing access to public services nor excluding Spanish people from using benefits.
How to obtain the right for a legal stay in Spain?
All citizens of EU countries have a regulated legal status allowing them to legally stay in Spain for up to 3 months without any additional formalities – it is enough to have a valid ID card or passport. It is also possible to stay for earning purposes for a period longer than 3 months. In such a situation, you should:
- make N.I.E. (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). To do this, you have to make an appointment via the website: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/
- register with the Central Registry of Foreigners (Registro Central de Extranjeros) to obtain an EU Citizen Registration Certificate (Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la U.E.). The condition for obtaining the certificate is legal work (or running a business) in the territory of Spain. Find out more at: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus
Non-contributory social benefits in Spain
There are different options to help families who have lost their main source of income:
- Cash benefit for each child under the age of eighteen with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%, or greater than that age, when the degree of disability is equal to or greater than 65%, as well as for underage children who are under the care of a foster family or guardianship for the purpose of adoption;
- Family allowance in the form of a one-time lump sum payment for the birth or adoption of a child in the case of single-parent families with many children, and in the case of disabled mothers or fathers;
- One-time benefit for multiple birth or adoption.
Housing assistance for families
The Spanish government offers assistance for tenants aged 18 to 35 in the amount of approximately EUR 250 per month. This plan also includes subsidized loans, assistance for young people, the elderly people, disabled, victims of violence, people evicted from their place of residence and the homeless.
Other housing assistance:
- Rental assistance for low-income households or in urgent need;
- Up to 60% of the rent amount for real estates located in municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants;
- Up to EUR 50,000 for people who offer affordable housing for older people or people with special needs.
Assistance for large families
For families with many children, the following are provided:
- Tax benefits such as deductions up to EUR 1200 (or EUR 2400 if it’s a large family of a special category);
- Discounts on charges for electricity, transportation, museums, auditoriums, theaters, etc;
- Fewer requirements (especially those related to income) to get access e.g. to scholarships or child benefits.
Family benefits – Assistance for single-parent families
Single-parent families can take full advantage of the above-mentioned benefits under special conditions. The fact that the family has only one breadwinner is taken into account, benefits may therefore be slightly higher.
Apart from that:
- Extending the period of receiving the non-contributory maternity allowance;
- Benefit for the adoption or birth of a child;
- Co-financing in the amount of 45% for the employment of caregivers for children in single-parent families (or with disabilities).
Other social security benefits
- Death benefits: widow’s pension, temporary widow’s pension, orphan’s pension, orphan’s pension for violence against women and other death benefits.
- Enhanced protection on the minimum income necessary to live.
Social benefits in Spain
| Type of the benefit | Description |
| Benefit for a child with a disability | For each child under the age of eighteen with a degree of disability of 33% or greater than that age if the degree of disability is equal to or greater than 65%. |
| A one-time allowance from the birth or adoption of a child | Granted to large, incomplete families and disabled parents. |
| One-time benefit for multiple birth or adoption | Granted to single mothers or fathers. |
| Housing assistance | assistance for tenants aged 18 to 35 in the amount of approximately EUR 250 per month; assistance with renting for low-income households or in urgent need; Up to 60% of the rent for real estates located in municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants; Up to EUR 50,000 for people who offer affordable housing for older people or people with special needs. |
| Assistance for large families | tax deductions up to EUR 1200; discounts on basic charges; easier access to scholarships or benefits for children. |
| Assistance for single-parent families | Increasing benefits due to the presence of only one breadwinner in the family; Extending the period of receiving the non-contributory maternity allowance; Benefit for the adoption or birth of a child; 45% co-financing for the employment of caregivers for children. |
| Other benefits | Death benefits; Enhanced protection on the minimum income necessary to live. |
