The government leveraged both the prior period and the current election campaign to roll out measures aimed at different population groups. Alongside initiatives for younger people, attention was also given to those over 65 and retirees, with a focus on innovations or preserving existing benefits. One notable provision is funding for cinema tickets for seniors, a move commonly seen in electoral programs.
1. Movie ticket
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez spoke during a Castilla-La Mancha event to unveil a plan encouraging movie attendance among people aged 65 and over. The measure would allocate roughly 10 million to subsidize cinema exhibitions, allowing this demographic to enter for about two euros on Tuesdays. Coalition partners argue the program should extend to other groups such as young people or the unemployed.
2. Rental assistance
Under the 2022-2025 state housing plan, there is a measure that covers 50 percent of monthly rent for residents over 65. The rent must be above 600 euros and below 900 euros, and the occupant must consider the residence their habitual home. In addition, beneficiaries cannot own real estate and their income must not exceed three IPREM indicators.
3. Assistance for dependent elderly
Additional benefits for seniors include support for dependents, delivered either as financial aid or through services such as telecare, home assistance, day and night centers, and housing support. Monthly amounts vary by degree of dependency: 153 euros for moderate dependency or degree 1; 201.59 to 268.79 euros for severe dependency or degree 2; and 290.73 to 387.64 euros for major dependency or degree 3. Financial eligibility is tied to income not exceeding IPREM, and if other similar public aid is received, its value is deducted. In some cases, the maximum 153 euros may not be reached if the demand falls below that cap.
Care benefits for moderate dependency or degree 1 amount to 300 euros per month for personal assistance; degree 2 ranges from 300 to 426.12 euros; degree 3 ranges from 429.04 to 715.07 euros. The recipient’s economic capacity must remain at or below IPREM, and if overlapping public benefits exist, they are deducted from the dependency aid. The 300-euro cap remains a safeguard in less-than-maximum cases.
4. Non-contributory retirement
For individuals not contributing to a pension, a non-contributory pension is available with a notable upward adjustment this year. The maximum is 5,899.60 euros annually (or 421.40 euros per month) with two installments. The minimum is 1,474.90 euros per year (or 105.35 per month). If there are multiple beneficiaries in the household, the monthly maximum adjusts downward (for two beneficiaries, up to 358.19 euros; for three, up to 337.12 euros). Eligibility requires being 65 or older and not receiving other incompatible pensions or subsidies, such as a non-contributory disability pension or the minimum income guarantee. If income calculations exceed specified thresholds, support may be reduced and reduced thresholds apply based on household size.
5. Electricity social bonus
The electricity social bond provides a discount on the monthly bill for customers with a PVPC contract at their habitual residence who meet defined needs. The discount is 25 percent for vulnerable customers and 40 percent for those who are severely vulnerable. If an applicant is at risk of social exclusion and social services cover at least half of the bill temporarily, service disconnection is avoided even when payment capacity is temporarily limited.
6. Financial assistance for the phone
Beneficiaries of social telephony or discounted telecommunications services are typically retirees. The program offers a lower fixed-line fee and substantial payment discounts, with eligibility requiring family income not to exceed 10,080 euros and total income not surpassing 120 percent of IPREM. An optional internet plan is available as part of the package.
7. Travel aid
The travel program for those aged 65 and over is designed to promote recreation and cultural engagement. The 2023-2024 campaign allocates up to 300 million euros to the Institute for Seniors and Social Services (Imserso). The program offers excursions to coastal and inland destinations, plus thermal spa visits, lodging, and meals. Participants typically cover 78 percent of travel costs, while the state contributes the remaining 22 percent. [Citation: Imserso program details]