Spain approves sweeping reform to boost dependency‑care funding

The Spanish cabinet approved a royal decree that dramatically expands state funding for the long‑term care system. From 2026‑27 the central government will inject an additional €6.2 billion, aiming to double its contribution to the dependency‑care budget by 2027 and reach €7.239 billion annually. Monthly benefits will rise sharply – Level III payments jump from €290 to €660, Level II doubles to €260, and Level I increases 18% to €90 – while new home‑care services and equipment‑loan schemes are introduced to keep elderly and dependent people at home longer.

The reform also raises the minimum state contribution to each autonomous community. Andalusia will receive about €954 million, Catalonia €567 million, Galicia €270 million, Castilla‑La Mancha €236 million, the Canary Islands €236 million, and Extremadura €114 million, among other allocations. These transfers are intended to reduce waiting lists, improve care quality, and allow regions to expand services such as day‑centres and shared‑housing alternatives.

Overall, the legislation marks the largest historic boost to Spain’s dependency‑care system, targeting more than 1.7 million beneficiaries nationwide.