The Catalan government has launched the 'Pla Cura' (Care Plan) to simplify access to dependency aid and address a significant backlog of applications across Catalonia. The long-term goal is to reduce the average waiting time from the current 397 days to 60.

A decree-law of urgent measures will be approved next week to streamline the process and boost human and technological resources. A key change involves combining the dependency assessment and the Individual Care Plan (PIA) into a single step. Additionally, applications can now start at local primary care centres (CAPs), where doctors and social workers will coordinate to offer more accessible support.

Catalonia currently has 128,000 people awaiting dependency aid, with 18,200 of these classified as Grade III, the highest level of dependency. In 2025, there were 158,000 initial dependency applications, double the number from a decade ago. Over the last two years, the system has absorbed nearly 20,000 additional applications annually.

Reforming the Dependency System

Officials from the Departments of Health and Social Rights described the new strategy as a "paradigm shift" and the "most ambitious reform" of the model since the Dependency Law was approved. They acknowledged the current system suffers from "significant IT obsolescence" and a "considerable backlog of applications".

Currently, 252,000 active dependency care files in Catalonia receive 313,779 benefits or services. However, 128,000 people are waiting at various stages of the process. The 'Pla Cura' has been successfully piloted in Vic, where a single social and health window managed the entire process with multidisciplinary care.

Health officials noted the Vic pilot "reduced response times to 60 days and improved citizen experience". They expect the model's wider implementation to significantly shorten waiting periods, moving towards the 60-day target. As of March this year, the average wait for an Individual Care Plan (PIA) was 397 days, double the legal limit.

Integrated Care and Faster Processing

The multidisciplinary approach tested in Vic is central to the new plan. Health officials stated that 99.7% of people awaiting these aids are "already identified within the health system". The proposal allows citizens to start the dependency application process directly at their CAP, enabling doctors and social workers to jointly address requests and offer integrated, comprehensive care.

The 'Pla Cura' will expand dependency assessment services from 25 to 375 primary care teams and 107 basic social services. Health officials aim for citizens to perceive the entire process as a continuous care journey. The decree-law also stipulates that the dependency assessment and PIA will be conducted in a single home visit, resolving both issues in one administrative act, reducing unnecessary appointments and simplifying the process. Once a person receives this resolution, they can start receiving their assigned aid within 15 days.

Each applicant will also be assigned a dedicated contact person to guide them through the process. This personalised attention will help identify and prioritise urgent cases, particularly those with Grade III dependency, mental health issues, or involving children. A "fast track" circuit is planned for these complex situations.

Support for Grade III Dependency and Future Expansion

For individuals with Grade III dependency awaiting a service, such as a place in a care home or day centre, a substitute benefit of €200, the legal minimum for this level, will be provided until the service is granted. Government officials explained that 85% of dependent individuals choose a non-professional carer, usually a family member, meaning most do not require a care home or day centre placement.

However, the Catalan executive is working to provide 6,000 new subsidised care home and day centre places over the next four years, with 2,500 already operational. The plan also includes 200 new professionals, an additional 25,000 assessment applications annually, and a budget increase of €25 million.

For the first time, the 'vSocial' IT tool will be deployed. This system uses artificial intelligence to organise and share social services information throughout the process. The new model will be rolled out progressively, starting with one million inhabitants between September 2026 and March 2027, before expanding across all of Catalonia from March to December 2027, under the umbrella of the Catalan Agency for Integrated Social and Health Care.