The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, via the Municipal Institute of Social Care (IMAS), has overseen and disbursed a total of 67,505 Social Assistance Economic Benefits (PEAS) to low-income families in the capital in the first half of 2024. The social aid aims primarily to cover expenses such as food (through food cards), electricity, water, rent, or disability, with a budget totalling 6,752,637 euros.
When compared to the same period in 2023, there has been an increase in the aid awarded in just one year. In the previous semester, 39,049 PEAS were granted amounting to 5,972,524 euros. This means an additional 28,456 grants and a budget augmentation of 780,112 euros.
The councillor overseeing IMAS, Charín González, stated that “based on the PEAS application data, we cannot conclude that the need has increased, but we have been able to reach more families in need. It is crucial to remember that the primary aim is to enhance the quality of life for individuals, and we have successfully achieved this with this year’s benefits.”
Nevertheless, the councillor emphasised that these benefits serve as a means to address the vulnerability of individuals. The ultimate objective is for them to lift themselves out of situations of exclusion or lack of resources. To work towards this goal, enhancements are being made within the organisation itself, including the recruitment of personnel and their subsequent training.”
Allocation Details
Regarding the breakdown of PEAS administered by the City Council during the initial months of the year, details obtained by DIARIO DE AVISOS reveal a significant allocation towards food assistance, benefiting 31,496 families or individuals with an investment of nearly 2.4 million euros. Following this, support for disabilities was provided to 80 recipients, amounting to 60,720 euros; aid for rent, community fees, or mortgages were distributed amongst 223 individuals totalling 244,331 euros; assistance for water expenses reached 888 people, with a combined spending of 50,223 euros; while support for electricity payments encompassed 57 cases, equating to 10,288 euros.
In addition, other forms of social assistance administered during the initial half of the year included vouchers for accommodation or other necessities, assisting 18 individuals with a sum of 60,289 euros; benefits for purchasing glasses, hearing aids, or dental treatments, benefiting 346 users with a total of 110,124 euros; and subsistence support provided to 18 people amounting to 3,839 euros.
