The Balearic Islands have introduced a new financial aid scheme aimed at improving work-life balance for working families, particularly those facing greater social or economic challenges. The initiative, known as the “Childcare Voucher”, has an initial budget of €320,000 and provides up to €4,000 per family per year.

The program targets households that hire domestic workers to care for children, including minors under the age of 12 or up to 18 in cases of disability. Priority is given to single-parent families, large families, and households with disabled members, ensuring fair access to support and equal opportunities.

The subsidy covers wages and social security contributions related to childcare employment, promoting formal, regulated working conditions and helping to reduce undeclared work in the care sector. This approach benefits both families and caregivers by strengthening labour rights and job stability.

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The Balearic Islands launch the “Childcare Voucher” to support work-life balance and family care

Grant amounts are determined based on per capita household income, calculated by dividing total family income by the number of household members. Lower-income families may receive full coverage of eligible costs, while middle-income households qualify for partial support. Higher-income families are excluded, reinforcing the social focus of the scheme.

To qualify, applicants must be officially registered as residents in the Balearic Islands and engaged in full-time employment, either as employees or self-employed workers. The program also takes into account the specific features of the regional labour market, such as seasonal or discontinuous contracts.

The aid is retroactive, allowing families to claim expenses incurred during 2025, in line with the commitment to make the program operational within the current year. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted.

Authorities plan to maintain and expand this support in future years, turning the “Childcare Voucher” into a long-term public policy tool to promote family well-being, gender equality, and dignified employment in childcare services.