← FFCheckWho do I contact?ES
Health · Spain
Updated September 2026

💜 I care for a family member — what support can I get, and where?

Direct answer

Caring for a relative is work, and most countries now recognise it with respite care, a carer's allowance or benefit, leave rights and free advice — but only if you ask. Servicios sociales / Dependencia (comunidad autónoma) (imserso.es) assesses the person you care for and your own needs and unlocks home help and respite; Servicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de salud (sanidad.gob.es) is the carers' organisation for Spain with practical advice, peer groups and help with the paperwork; Ayuntamiento — Policía local / atención ciudadana (010) handles local services and, in many countries, the carer's allowance.

Call firstServicios sociales / Dependencia (comunidad autónoma)
Report toServicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de salud
If that failsAyuntamiento — Policía local / atención ciudadana

🗣️ What to say

"I care for my [relative] who has [condition] for about [hours] per week. I would like a needs assessment for them and a carer's assessment for myself, and information about respite care, allowances and leave from work."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Ask for both assessmentsThe person cared for and you. The carer's assessment is the one people forget — it opens respite and money.
  2. Talk to Servicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de saludThey know the local rules, the forms, and the tricks; peer groups keep you sane.
  3. MoneyCarer's allowance or a personal budget the cared-for person can use to pay you; pension credits for caring years in several countries.
  4. WorkEU rules give carers' leave and the right to request flexible work; your employer has to answer in writing.
  5. RespiteDay care, short stays, replacement care at home — arranged through Servicios sociales / Dependencia (comunidad autónoma) or Ayuntamiento — Policía local / atención ciudadana. Take it before you burn out, not after.

📇 All contacts

Servicios sociales / Dependencia (comunidad autónoma)Dependency assessment, disability grade, supportFor care and support🔗 www.imserso.es
Servicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de saludDoctor assignment, health card, complaintsFor finding a doctor and care questions🔗 www.sanidad.gob.es
Ayuntamiento — Policía local / atención ciudadanaNuisances, roads, waste, registry, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles📞 010🔗 www.femp.es
Seguridad Social (INSS/TGSS) — reclamación previaBenefits, clawbacks, prior claimWithin 30 days of the decision📞 901 16 65 65🔗 www.seg-social.es

❓ Frequently asked

Can I be paid to care?

In many countries yes, through a personal budget or a direct carer's benefit; conditions and amounts differ. Servicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de salud explains the local scheme.

I cannot cope any more

Say exactly that to Servicios sociales / Dependencia (comunidad autónoma) — it triggers emergency respite. And talk to your GP; carer burnout is a medical issue.

Does caring count for my pension?

Several countries credit caring years; ask the pension office or Servicio de salud de su comunidad autónoma — centro de salud.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “carer support Spain”
  • “carers allowance Spain”
  • “respite care how to apply”
  • “caring for parent help”
  • “carer leave rights”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

Your tools for Spain