Andorra Boosts Social Aid to €15M in 2025 Amid Economic Pressures

Andorra has increased non-contributory social aid spending to €15 million in 2025, with €5.36 million for solidarity benefits—a 14.6% rise from 2024—and €9.41 million for elderly pensions, up 14%. These programs supported thousands amid economic pressures, alongside smaller outlays for other pensions and local initiatives.

Solidarity benefits aided an average of 399 people monthly, including 218 women and 181 men. Andorrans topped the list at 227 recipients on average, followed by 95 Spaniards, 56 Portuguese, seven French nationals, and 14 others. Parishes with the most beneficiaries were Andorra la Vella (158), Escaldes-Engordany (87), Sant Julià de Lòria (60), and Encamp (55), with fewer in La Massana (20), Canillo (12), and Ordino (7). Recipients aged 46-65 made up 51.1%, followed by 17.8% aged 36-45, 15.5% aged 26-35, 9.8% aged 66-75, and 5.8% aged 18-25.

Elderly solidarity pensions, the largest category, reached 1,425 people monthly on average—962 women and 463 men. Spaniards led at 725, ahead of 346 Andorrans, 170 Portuguese, 43 French, and 141 others. Andorra la Vella hosted 39.5% of recipients, followed by Escaldes-Engordany (21%), Encamp (14.3%), Sant Julià de Lòria (13.6%), La Massana (6.4%), Ordino (3.3%), Canillo (1.6%), and 0.3% abroad. Nearly 90% were aged 65-85.

Government pensions for those over 95 totaled €45,721, supporting 12 people monthly—11 women and one man, with eight Andorrans and four Spaniards. Andorra la Vella accounted for 40%, and Escaldes-Engordany and Sant Julià de Lòria 17.1% each.

These initiatives seek to combat exclusion and foster independence through financial aid. In Andorra la Vella, the parish allocated €64,369.57 to social and housing support in 2025, approving 323 social grants worth €54,123.65—mainly for sports, culture, childcare, elderly services, nursery schools, and administrative procedures—and 18 housing aids totaling €10,245.92 for rentals, one-off payments, and basic home equipment. The Rexcatering project at Calones canteen distributed 1,202 low-cost meals (€1 each) from food surplus between June and December, cutting waste.

Councillor for Social Affairs, Youth, and Public Space Maria Nazzaro said each aid addresses unique needs in tough economic times, with the administration providing essential responses. She added that the efforts reflect ongoing work to meet diverse demands and adapt tools to evolving realities.