UK And Spanish Benefits In Spain For Expats

Are you living in Spain or considering moving here and wondering which benefits you may be able to claim?

Or maybe you’re curious about whether you can get certain benefits in Spain such as child benefit, disability allowance, or housing benefit?

If so, read on and let us explain which UK and Spanish benefits can be claimed while living in Spain in 2025 and beyond.

You will find out about:

• UK benefits in Spain
• Spanish benefits for expats
• Receiving UK benefits in Spain post-Brexit
• Child benefits in Spain
• Disability allowances such as PIP, DLA, and Carer’s Allowance
• Contact information and links to apply
• And more

Let’s take a look.

As many UK nationals continue moving to Spain, it’s important to understand what social security benefits you may be entitled to claim. We have split this article into two sections: UK benefits you can claim from Spain, and Spanish benefits available to permanent residents.

UK Benefits In Spain

Receiving UK Benefits in Spain After Brexit

UK nationals living in Spain before December 31, 2020, can continue receiving certain UK benefits, provided eligibility requirements are met. Social security contributions paid into the UK may also count toward Spanish contribution-based benefits.

If moving temporarily abroad (up to 13 weeks, or 26 weeks for medical treatment), you may be eligible to continue claiming some benefits. For up-to-date information, visit UK benefits abroad.

Receiving UK Pension in Spain

UK retirees living in Spain may continue to receive the UK State Pension. If you have worked in Spain, you must apply via the Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (INSS).

UK Disability Benefits and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Spain

You may be eligible to claim PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) while living in Spain if eligibility criteria are met. Check how to apply for PIP and DLA for children.

Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance

Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance may be claimed under specific conditions. See eligibility at Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.

Child Benefits from the UK while Living in Spain

In limited cases (e.g., Crown Servants, those paying UK National Insurance), Child Benefit can still be received. Details can be found at Child Benefit Abroad.

UK Tax Credits and Universal Credit Abroad

New claims for UK Tax Credits ended in 2025. Existing claimants may still receive payments if certain conditions are met. More information: Tax Credits Abroad.

Universal Credit usually stops if living abroad permanently, but short-term trips (up to 4 weeks, 6 months for medical reasons) may be allowed. Read more: Universal Credit Abroad.

Spanish Benefits for Expats

Spanish Child Benefits

Spain offers contributory and non-contributory child benefits. Annual payments of €1,000 per child are possible, depending on income thresholds. Full details: Child Benefit Spain.

Spanish Maternity and Paternity Leave

Mothers and fathers are each entitled to 16 weeks of fully paid leave. Learn more: Maternity and Paternity Leave Spain.

Spanish Unemployment Benefits

If you have contributed to the Spanish social security system for at least 360 days, you may claim unemployment benefits via the SEPE portal.

Spanish Disability Benefits

Details on disability benefits can be found at SEPE Disability Benefits.

Spanish Housing Benefits and Minimum Income

Housing support of up to €525 per year may be available. For minimum income support, check Spanish Social Security Coordination.

Claiming Spanish Pensions

If you have contributed sufficiently to Spain’s social security system, you may qualify for a Spanish state pension. Details are available at Spanish Pensions Explained.

Private Health Insurance for Expats

If you are moving to Spain and require private health insurance, check out our range of Expat Health Insurance Plans.

We hope you found this guide useful. Feel free to share it with friends and family!

Image courtesy of AT Society.