Getting social assistance in Spain

Your first stop is usually the social services centre for your address

Spanish social services are run mainly by city councils and regional governments, so the centre that helps you depends on where you are registered. A social worker listens to your situation and explains which support fits, such as help with basic costs, care at home or a regional minimum income. The national Ingreso Mínimo Vital is a separate income benefit handled by Social Security.

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How it works

Get social assistance

Find local help if you cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs.

If you cannot cover basic living costs such as rent, food or energy, your local social services can assess what help you are entitled to. Support can include a monthly allowance, emergency payments, help with debts or housing, and advice. You usually start with an intake appointment at the office that serves your address. Bring your ID, proof of address and information about your income, savings, rent and household. Each type of support has its own conditions, and the office decides after assessing your situation.

Also searched as

social assistancesocial welfaresocial servicesfinancial helpemergency financial helpminimum incomehelp paying rent

At a glance

Offices
363 offices in 38 cities
Book online
At 100 of 363 offices
Apply online
At 16 of 363 offices

The right centre depends on your registered address

Social services centres that can help in Spain

Some cities have many centres, each serving its own neighbourhood, and a few regions run their own benefit offices. A social worker is usually the first contact, and the national Ingreso Mínimo Vital is handled separately by Social Security rather than by these centres.

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Where to next

Social assistance offices in Spain

Social services centres and regional benefit offices by city, and how each one takes first requests.

Social services offices in Spain

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