Self-employed workers in the Canary Islands can now apply for a new government subsidy that will cover their Social Security contributions while they are off work due to illness or injury.

The measure, officially published this week in the Canary Islands Official Gazette (BOC), forms part of the regional government’s new “Plan Respaldo” support scheme and has been described as one of the most significant aid packages introduced for autónomos in the archipelago.

The initiative was presented by the Canary Islands Vice-President and Regional Minister for Economy, Industry, Commerce and Self-Employment, Manuel Domínguez.

Under the scheme, the Canary Islands becomes the first region in Spain to directly compensate self-employed workers for their Social Security payments during the first two months of temporary incapacity leave.

Up to €700 Per Claimant

The programme launches with an initial budget of €600,000, although officials confirmed this can be increased depending on demand across the islands.

Eligible applicants can receive up to €700 to help cover their Social Security contributions while unable to work. The support is also retroactive from 1st January 2026.

If the sick leave period lasts less than 70 days, claimants will still receive a proportional payment based on the exact duration of their recovery.

Who Can Apply?

The aid is aimed at self-employed workers registered in the Canary Islands who meet several conditions, including:

• Having their tax address registered in the Canary Islands
• Carrying out their professional or business activity within the archipelago
• Being up to date with payments to the Spanish Tax Agency, Social Security and the Canary Islands Tax Agency
• Not employing staff, except in exceptional cases involving serious illness
• Mutual society members and members of partnerships or community businesses are also eligible

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis through a non-competitive system, meaning all eligible applicants should receive the subsidy while funds remain available.

Officials also confirmed that successful applicants will receive a single direct bank payment, with minimal bureaucracy involved after the initial online application.

Support for a Growing Self-Employed Sector

Speaking during the announcement, Manuel Domínguez said the measure is designed to prevent illness or accidents from creating “an added financial burden” for self-employed workers, many of whom lose income immediately while still facing fixed monthly expenses.

The regional government says the subsidy forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen self-employment across the Canary Islands, where there are now nearly 148,000 registered autónomos.

Other existing support measures include the “Programa Concilia”, which helps cover childcare and family care costs, and the “Cuota Cero” scheme for new entrepreneurs.

The Canary Islands also remains the only region in Spain offering a full IGIC tax exemption for self-employed workers earning less than €50,000 annually.