The Dependency Supplement is a monthly Social Security benefit intended for pensioners who require regular third-party assistance to perform basic daily tasks, such as feeding, mobility, personal hygiene, and domestic services. This support is not subject to a low-income condition, but the beneficiary cannot work or attend training, even if unpaid. Those eligible to request this supplement include holders of disability, old-age, or survivor's pensions from the general scheme, voluntary social insurance, social old-age pension, orphan's pension, widow's pension, transitional rural pension, and also beneficiaries of the Social Inclusion Benefit. In certain situations, people with diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, oncological disease, multiple sclerosis, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may also request the supplement even before receiving a pension.
There are two degrees of dependency. The first applies to those who cannot independently perform indispensable acts to meet basic needs. The second is for those who, in addition to these limitations, are bedridden or have severe dementia. The dependency situation must be certified by the Incapacity Verification System, which assesses the person's physical, psychological, and functional capacities. In 2026, the amounts for pensioners in the general scheme are 131.20 euros monthly for the 1st degree and 236.16 euros for the 2nd degree. In the special scheme for agricultural activities, the non-contributory scheme, and equivalent schemes, the amounts are 118.08 euros and 223.04 euros, respectively. In July and December, an additional amount equal to the monthly supplement is provided.
The request can be submitted through the Social Security Portal, at a service desk, or by mail, using form RP 5027. Social Security indicates that there is no deadline to apply for the support and that the decision takes on average about 150 days. The right begins in the month following the application, provided all conditions are met. If the beneficiary disagrees with the decision, they can request a new evaluation from the Appeal Committee within 10 days, or file a complaint, hierarchical appeal, or judicial challenge. When the dependency worsens, a review examination can be requested to move to the 2nd degree and receive the higher amount.
The Dependency Supplement can be combined with the pension from which it originates, the Social Inclusion Benefit, and the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (up to the limit of the 1st degree). However, it cannot be received together with work income, benefits with the same purpose, third-party assistance allowance, or informal caregiver support allowance. When the pensioner receives care in a nursing home or social facility funded by the State or a non-profit entity, the amount is limited to the 1st degree amount, even if the clinical condition corresponds to the 2nd degree.
