Spain injects €6.2bn into dependency care, doubling state funding for regions by 2027

The decree

The Council of Ministers approved a royal decree-law on Tuesday that raises the state's contribution to the System for Autonomy and Dependency Care (SAAD). The measure increases the per-person funding that autonomous communities receive for each recognised dependent, with the largest rises reserved for those with the highest needs. The new rates take effect on 1 July 2026, and the decree must still be validated by the Congress of Deputies.

Funding by region

The extra money is distributed according to the number of dependents and the severity of their condition. Andalusia will receive the largest injection, €954 million over two years (€318 million in 2026 and €636 million in 2027). Madrid follows with €680 million, ahead of Catalonia's €567 million. Madrid's higher share, despite having fewer dependents than Catalonia, reflects a greater proportion of grade III cases. The smallest increase goes to La Rioja, at €16.5 million.

Per-person increases

The monthly amounts per dependent rise sharply: grade III (severe dependency) climbs 128% from €290 to €660; grade II (moderate-to-severe) doubles from €130 to €260; and grade I (moderate) edges up 18% from €76 to €90. The ministry estimates that the state will cover 50% of the cost of the dependency law once the new funding is fully in place, up from around 27% in 2024.

Every euro invested in dependency generates 1.6 euros of economic activity.

Political and legislative context

The decree fulfils a commitment in the coalition agreement between Pedro Sánchez's PSOE and Sumar. Minister Pablo Bustinduy has linked its parliamentary passage to the reform of the disability and dependency laws, which are in their final legislative stages. The government expects the decree to gather enough support in Congress, given that both nationalist groups and the opposition have repeatedly demanded more funding.

Timeline

The increased payments begin flowing to the autonomous communities on 1 July 2026. By 2027, the total state contribution to dependency will reach €7,239 million, compared with €3,700 million in 2025. The ministry says the extra resources will help cut waiting lists, hire more care workers, improve working conditions, and expand services.