Guide to Claiming Non Professional Carers Benefit (PIA) in Spain

Written by guest author Steve Bennett LLB.

A guide to the Programa Individual de Atención (PIA) for English Nationals Resident In Spain.

1. What is PIA?
PIA is a means tested benefit designed to help non professional carers who do not qualify for carers allowance in the UK by virtue of having worked in Spain and contributed to the Spanish welfare system. It is also a benefit which can be claimed if you have made no contributions to the Spanish welfare scheme.

2. Can I claim?
If you care for a family member as result of physical or mental health disability and you are resident in Spain and you are fiscally resident (i.e. You file an annual tax return as a resident) in Spain, then you may qualify for help with regard to reduced water costs, energy costs, changes you may need to make to your home and you could qualify for monthly payments of up to €1053 per month.

3. How do I claim PIA?

Firstly, you need to assemble the documents in support of your claim. This will be, but is not limited to;

a. The original and 2 copies of your inscription on the Padrón where you live.

b. The originals (and 2 copies) of the residency documents of the carer and the person cared for.

c. The originals (and 2 copies) of the UK passport of the carer and the person cared for.

d. The original (and 2 copies) of the bank statements of the carer and the person cared for.

e. The original (and 2 copies) of medical reports prepared by the medical expert dealing with the medical treatment received by the disabled person. These must be in Spanish and no older than 3 months from the date you submit your claim.

f. You will find it easier if you use the dual language section of form used by the DWP for claimants of PIP. You will need to detail the way in which the disabled person relies upon you for everyday tasks. It will strengthen your case if you are able to provide a weekly breakdown of the time spent performing tasks for the disabled person.

4. Who do I contact?
You need to contact your town hall. Every town hall has a Social Services Department. You need to obtain an appointment with a Social Worker at the town hall. If you do not speak Spanish you will need to instruct an interpreter.

5. What happens at the first appointment?
At the appointment the Social Worker will ask you a series of questions concerning the care you provide. This is where the document listed as 3(f) above will help. You will also need to supply the documents in 3 (above). You and the person you care for must attend this appointment.

6. What happens next?
The next stage will be a visit from your Social Worker to your home. The Social Worker will ask further questions, so you will need an interpreter if you do not speak Spanish.

7. What will the Social Worker do?
The Social Worker will compile their own report. This report (along with all of the documents you have supplied) will be sent by your Social Worker to the Director General of Primary Care and Personal Autonomy at the Generalitat of the region where you live.

8. What happens next?
You can expect to wait for a further few months before you receive a decision from the Generalitat. This decision will contain details of the extent of any disability and whether in the opinion of the decision maker the disabled person requires assistance. Depending on the severity of the incapacity the person requiring care will be placed in one of three groups. Group one is the group requiring least assistance. Group three is the group requiring most assistance.

9. What if I disagree with assessment?
You can appeal against this decision. You have 30 days in which to do so. Alternatively, you should contact your Social Worker to discuss the extent and nature of the assistance required.

10. What happens next?
If any amendments are sought, your Social Worker will submit these to the Generalitat.

11. How long will I have to wait for a final decision?

Within the next 2 months you will receive a final resolution of the claim. This will detail the help you are entitled to as a non professional carer. It will also provide details of any monthly payments to be made to the carer and the date from which payments will be made. The monies will be paid directly to your bank account.

CAB would like to thank Steve for this very useful information topic.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.