Andorra Lacks Technical Report or Timeline for Carers' Financial Benefit

The Andorran government has yet to produce a technical report or timeline for rolling out a financial benefit aimed at non-professional carers of dependent persons, Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín has confirmed.

Responding to parliamentary questions from Concòrdia councillor Maria Àngels Aché, Marín stated that no technical assessment currently exists on implementing the measure. She noted that her ministry has held working meetings with relevant departments, particularly the Andorran Social Security Fund (CASS), to explore its feasibility and required legislative changes. These would include amendments to both the CASS law and the labour relations law.

Marín emphasised that the proposal remains a "strategic line" within the government's commitment to bolstering support for dependent individuals and their carers. However, she cautioned that no firm calendar can be set until all necessary technical data and criteria ensure the benefit's viability and sustainability. The ministry is still gathering information to estimate costs, which will factor in potential beneficiary numbers, dependency levels, benefit amounts, and access rules. Multiple scenarios are under consideration, but a precise figure is unavailable.

Aché sharply criticised the delays, pointing out that the executive has touted the benefit as a priority since 2023—three years ago—yet no studies on implementation or costs have materialised. "We are becoming experts at conducting studies that lead nowhere," she told Altaveu, questioning the government's stated commitment. She highlighted repeated initiatives in the General Council to urge progress, only to receive assurances of ongoing reviews.

The councillor expressed frustration that funds have been allocated to housing aids and occasional measures—totaling four million euros—while this benefit stalls, despite an ageing population increasing demand. "If there were real will, it would already be in place," Aché said, adding that legislative approval this term now appears unlikely.