Death grant (funeral expenses)
Auxilio por defunción
What it is
The death grant (auxilio por defunción) is a payment of 46.50 euros to whoever paid the funeral expenses. Unless proven otherwise, they are presumed to have been paid, in this order, by the spouse, the de facto partner, the children or the relatives who lived with the deceased. The deceased must have been registered with Social Security or in an equivalent situation, or receiving a contributory retirement or permanent disability pension; it is not payable if they were not registered. With the application you submit an identity document (foreign nationals: passport or document from their country, and NIE), the death certificate and, depending on the case, the Libro de Familia or Civil Registry records, the city council's cohabitation certificate or proof of having paid the funeral.
Official wording
Salvo prueba en contrario, se presume que dichos gastos los ha soportado, por este orden, el cónyuge sobreviviente, el sobreviviente de una pareja de hecho, los hijos y los parientes del fallecido que conviviesen habitualmente con él.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
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When
You have 5 years to apply: the right lapses after 5 years.
Official wording
El derecho al percibo del auxilio por defunción prescribe a los 5 años.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Fill in the application
You use the “Solicitud de Auxilio por Defunción” form; the documents needed are those listed on the form itself.
Official wording
Documentación: Los documentos que se detallan en el modelo de solicitud.
Official sources
Step 2: Submit it at a CAISS
It is processed at the Social Security information and service centres (seafarers, at the Instituto Social de la Marina).
Official wording
En los Centros de Atención e Información de la Seguridad Social
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Step 3: Wait for the decision
The decision period is 90 days from the application; the page gives a current average of 13 days.
Official wording
Actualmente, el plazo medio es de 13 días.
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Documents
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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)
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FAQ
How much is it?
€46.50.
Official wording
Cuantía: 46,50 euros.Official sources
Who can apply?
Whoever paid for the funeral. Unless proven otherwise, it is presumed to be, in this order, the spouse, the unmarried partner, the children and relatives who lived with the deceased.
Official wording
Quien haya soportado los gastos del sepelio.Official sources
What conditions did the deceased have to meet?
Being registered or in an equivalent situation, receiving certain benefits (such as sick-leave benefit) or being a contributory permanent incapacity or retirement pensioner. It does not apply if they were not registered.
Official wording
Cuando el fallecido, en la fecha del fallecimiento, se encuentre en situación de no alta.Official sources
Related procedures
Terms used on this page
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