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Retirement and end of life

Recognition of dependency status (long-term care)

Reconocimiento de la situación de dependencia

Madrid versionOnly applies in Community of Madrid

In other cities: Barcelona · Valencia

Where to ask

Appointment (in person or by phone) on 012, or 915 80 42 60 from outside Madrid, choosing the "Dependencia" option; Monday to Friday 9:00–17:00.

Official wording
Teléfono de atención al ciudadano 012 (915 80 42 60 para llamadas desde fuera de Madrid) Elige la opción "Dependencia".

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What it is

Recognition of dependency status gives access to the services and benefits of the System for Autonomy and Dependency Care (SAAD). It is for people who, due to age, illness or disability, permanently need help from others for basic activities of daily living. You must be Spanish or a foreign national with legal residence, have lived in Spain for five years (two of them immediately before the application) and live and be registered on the padrón in the Community of Madrid. It is free to apply, online or in person, with documents such as your DNI or NIE, padrón registration, a health report up to 3 months old and a social report from municipal social services, whom you are advised to consult first. Afterwards, health and social care staff carry out an assessment at home. The decision sets the degree of dependency and the Individual Care Programme; the maximum period is 6 months and silence means refusal.

Official wording
Residir y estar empadronado en la Comunidad de Madrid en la fecha en la que se presenta la solicitud.

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Where it applies
Community of Madrid

Official information

Official sources

Go to the official website: Apply for recognition of dependency (Community of Madrid)

When

When, due to age, illness or disability, a person needs another’s help with basic daily activities. You must reside legally in Spain, have lived here 5 years (the last 2 consecutively) and be registered in the Comunidad de Madrid. It is advisable to consult the municipal social services first.

Official wording
Es recomendable que antes de presentar la solicitud, se consulte a los servicios sociales municipales

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Steps

  1. Step 1: Submit the application

    Online with an electronic signature in the Cuenta Digital, or by downloading the completed form and submitting it signed at a registry office. There is no fee.

    Official wording
    No requiere el pago de tasas

    Official sources

    Go to the official website: Apply for recognition of dependency (Community of Madrid)

  2. Step 2: Assessment at home

    They phone you to set a date and time. The assessment is done by social-health staff at the person’s home or usual setting.

    Official wording
    se lleva a cabo en el domicilio o entorno habitual de la persona interesada.

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  3. Step 3: Decision with grade and PIA

    A single decision sets the dependency grade (there are 3) and the Individual Care Programme (PIA) with the most suitable resource. The maximum period is 6 months.

    Official wording
    Plazo máximo de resolución 6 meses

    Official sources

Documents

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🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)

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FAQ

What if the situation changes?

You can request a review of the grade if health or surroundings change. Any change in the declared data must be reported within 15 days.

Official wording
cualquier cambio en los datos declarados en el plazo máximo de 15 días

Official sources

Where can I ask?

Information Office, C/ Agustín de Foxá, 31 (by appointment), or 012 (915 80 42 60 from outside Madrid), option “Dependencia”.

Official wording
Elige la opción "Dependencia".

Official sources

Related procedures

Terms used on this page