The dependency care system in the Canary Islands operates with a two-speed reality. While regional management has successfully reduced waiting times from 782 to 335 days, state funding remains far below the 50% mandated by law. The Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, is calling for a "stable and real" commitment in Madrid to address a social bill that exceeds 18.2 million euros per month solely for payroll.
The figures presented by the minister at the latest Territorial Council of Social Services highlight a structural imbalance. In just three years, the monthly payroll for attending to dependent individuals in the islands has surged from 7,916,285.33 euros in July 2023 to 18,278,259.21 euros paid this June 2026, an increase of over 130%. This progress in caring for more people has been borne almost entirely by the Canarian coffers, as state contributions are limited to 22% of the total cost, falling short of the 50% stipulated by the Dependency Law.
The Canarian Government defends its administrative efficiency. The number of individuals awaiting resolution of their Individual Care Program (PIA) has plummeted by 91.9%, and the average resolution time has decreased from 782 to 335 days. However, this success is overshadowed by the concerning financial reality. In 2025, the Canary Islands certified expenses of 403.9 million euros, with state contributions amounting to only 101.8 million. The Ministry argues that the State does not account for the additional costs associated with being an Outermost Region, such as inter-island transport, nor the contributions from the island councils (Cabildos).
The Ministry has announced an increase of 21.2 million euros for 2026 through the 'Agreed Level' and another 22.43 million from the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) tranche. However, this news is met with caution. There is concern that this increase may not represent guaranteed structural funding but rather a temporary measure. Minister Delgado warns of the danger of creating false public expectations, recalling that any rise in benefits, such as the announced 18% for Grade 3, requires validation in Congress.
The discontent over underfunding is shared within the Territorial Council, where other regions like Andalusia report multi-million euro state debts. The objective for the Canary Islands is clear: improved management must be accompanied by fair funding, demanding that the State assume half of the real cost of caring for dependent individuals on the islands.
