Help from the Spanish authorities

For those registered on their local council census (‘empadronado’, or on the ‘padrón’), the town-hall-based social worker, ‘trabajador social’, can carry out an initial assessment to see if you qualify for help from the Spanish government.

Help depends on the degree of your need and can take some time to be agreed. Even if you have to look for another solution in the meantime, it is recommended you visit the social worker as soon as possible in order to start the assessment process and to see if you qualify.

Those entitled to be assessed by local-town-hall-based social workers are evaluated under national dependency legislation (Ley de Dependencia). If you qualify, an appointment will be made for a trained assessor to visit you and assess your needs and what support or services you may be entitled to.

To find out if you qualify to be seen by Spanish statutory social care services in this way or if you wish to arrange an appointment with social workers at your local town hall, please click here.

To find out how to register on the local council census (‘padrón’) if you have not already done so,  click here.

Local voluntary groups

Groups in your town or village may be able to help with providing voluntary assistance.

Please click here for a list of organisations and groups that have volunteer networks in your area (add in the name of the area where you live to see help covering your town or village).

Important note: as these are mostly volunteer organisations, help will depend on your personal circumstances and the availability of volunteers.  Not all will be able to help directly, however they can normally provide advice on who could help.

Help with money from British social security benefits

There are certain British government benefits that you may be entitled to in Spain to pay for or help pay for someone to visit. Please click here for details on what may be available.