Spain Social Care System Available For British Expat Retirees

Elderly British expats determined to remain in Spain post-Brexit can take advantage of the Spanish Social Care System.

At a meeting of the Orihuela Costa and District chapter of the Royal British Legion, Casaverde Homes senior social worker Beatriz Lara explained how British expat retirees can be helped by the Spanish welfare system. Beatriz works with expats needing social care and other aspects of the popular retirement hub’s provisions for the elderly, focusing on tasks including paperwork processing, form filing and accessing a system which is now becoming increasingly available to retired Britons at no cost to themselves.

The intricacies of Spain’s social welfare system can be confusing for older expats, with its benefits dependent on five years’ or more residency as well as registration with the local municipal padron. Help available includes support with mobility equipment, financial assistance and entry into local care homes for the elderly, all of which are provided at no or very minimal cost to the recipient. Other benefits such as disabled parking stickers and discounted holidays are available, but need to be applied for early as patience is definitely needed during the waiting times for approval.

Beatrix advises British retirees who believe they may well need some or all of the benefits offered at a time in the not too distant future to begin laying the groundwork for their applications by paying a visit to a social worker at their local town hall. Discussing available options and deciding which would best suit circumstances in the future can provide relief from the stress of the ageing process.