Galician Disability Benefits Blocked by Central Government Dispute
A dispute between the Galician regional government (Xunta) and the central government in Madrid is preventing 2,600 individuals with disabilities in Galicia from receiving automatically approved benefits. Fabiola García, the Galician Minister of Social Policy and Equality, has publicly denounced the situation, attributing the delay to a legal challenge by the central government against the Xunta’s “Plan de choque” (Shock Plan).
The Core of the Conflict: Financial Implications
According to García, the central government’s objection stems from financial concerns. The Xunta’s plan, which automatically recognized disability status for individuals already identified as dependent, resulted in a reduction of 114 million euros in revenue for the central government in 2025. The Xunta argues that the central government is prioritizing revenue collection over the well-being of vulnerable citizens.
Impact on Individuals: Delays and Bureaucracy
The legal challenge forces each of the 2,600 applicants to undergo a new assessment to determine their eligibility for disability benefits. This creates additional bureaucratic hurdles and prolongs the waiting time for individuals who have already been identified as dependent. García emphasized that a direct correlation has been established between the degree of dependency and the percentage of disability, making the additional assessment unnecessary.
A Contradictory Stance?
García further criticized the central government for what she perceives as a contradictory position. While challenging the Xunta’s automatic recognition system, the central government is reportedly considering a similar approach in its own proposed reform of the national Dependency Law. However, the central government’s proposal would eliminate the associated tax benefits, a key component of the Xunta’s plan.
Unequal Treatment: Galicia vs. Other Regions
The Xunta alleges that Galicia is being treated unfairly compared to other autonomous communities, specifically citing agreements reached with the Basque Country regarding the financing of dependency services. Under the agreement with the Basque Country, the central government shares the cost of services 50/50, a level of support not currently extended to Galicia. This disparity, according to García, creates a two-tiered system of dependency care.
Xunta’s Progress and the Call for Resolution
Despite the dispute, the Xunta has made significant progress in resolving dependency cases. Over 12,600 dependent individuals were granted disability status during the period the “Plan de choque” was in effect. García urged the central government to withdraw its legal challenge immediately, arguing that It’s hindering the efficient delivery of essential services.
Beyond Disability: Investment in Social Services
The Xunta is also investing in other social services. A “historic” agreement has been reached with the Galician Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (Fegamp) to increase funding for the Home Help Service (SAF). This will see the Xunta progressively increase its contribution to 18 euros per hour, benefiting 23,000 Galicians receiving care at home and providing financial relief to municipalities. Mobile Information Centers for Women (CIM) are being deployed to rural areas and university campuses to expand access to information and support regarding equality and gender-based violence prevention.
Did you know?
The Xunta has resolved over 86,000 dependency and disability cases favorably in the past twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Plan de choque”? The “Plan de choque” was a Galician regional government initiative to streamline the process of recognizing disability status for individuals already identified as dependent.
- Why is the central government challenging the plan? The central government claims the plan negatively impacts its revenue collection.
- How many people are affected by the dispute? Approximately 2,600 individuals with disabilities in Galicia are currently unable to receive automatically approved benefits.
- What is the Xunta doing to address the situation? The Xunta is urging the central government to withdraw its legal challenge and is continuing to resolve dependency cases as efficiently as possible.
Pro Tip: Individuals experiencing delays in receiving disability benefits should contact their local social services office for assistance and information.
Stay informed about the latest developments in Galician social policy. Explore more articles on our website and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.
