The Santa Cruz City Council, via the Department of Social Action, has announced that the registration window is open from last Friday until October 7 for a social tourism initiative tailored for individuals over 60 years of age who have been residents of the municipality for no less than three years. This initiative is coordinated with the Cabildo de Tenerife, which will offer 270 spots for each of the two planned trips, one scheduled for November and the other for the first quarter of 2025.
According to José Manuel Bermúdez, the Mayor of Santa Cruz, one of the primary objectives of the current council is “to enhance the quality of life for our elder citizens, making participation in programmes like this a priority.” He further stated, “Our dedication is evident through initiatives such as Santa Cruz Vital, as well as efforts to support elderly individuals who live alone, improve the Home Assistance Service, and activities being organised in Anaga to enable beach outings.”
Prospective applicants must be aged 60 or older, or turn 60 during the year of the trip. Furthermore, a spouse or registered partner, regardless of age, may also participate, provided both individuals have been residents of the municipality for a minimum of three years prior to the trip and have no health issues that could prevent them from participating in travel or leisure activities.
Moreover, IMAS specifies that “individuals must not have taken part in the previous campaign run by the Cabildo de Tenerife through the IASS (Institute of Social and Socio-Health Care), and they must not surpass the annual income limit,” states Charín González, the Councilor for Social Action. She added that “proof of income will be required through an official pension or benefits certificate from the relevant authority for both the applicant and their partner; forms from banking institutions will not be accepted.”
It is important to mention that a family unit consists of spouses who are not legally separated as well as minor children and/or legally incapacitated adults under extended or rehabilitated parental authority. In circumstances where the elderly individual is unmarried or legally separated, the total income for the family unit—including any cohabiting children who meet the requirements specified for a single-member unit—must not exceed 16,800 euros for the applicant; for families with 2 or 3 members, the limit is 23,520 euros per year, and for larger families, 25,200 euros.
The application must include a photocopy of the valid identification for both the applicant and their partner, if the council does not authorise consultation; a family book or registration certificate for the partner; a photocopy of health cards for both individuals; a recent passport-sized photograph of both; and a certificate of registration indicating the arrival date in the municipality (if consultation by the council is not permitted).
Additionally, a medical certificate from a doctor confirming the applicant’s fitness for travel and absence of mobility issues during excursions and visits must be included. This certificate should detail any illness (if applicable) and the medications along with their dosages, and must be accompanied by a personal data sheet as well as a health questionnaire for both the applicant and their partner (Annex II and Annex III, respectively).
Lastly, Charín González, the Councilor for Social Action, emphasises that the deadline is October 7. Applications can be submitted in person at the Citizen Information and Attention Offices (OAIC), where appointments can be arranged, and at the Municipal Institute of Social Care (IMAS). Online submissions will be facilitated through the electronic registry at https://sede.santacruzdetenerife.es/sede/procedimientos-y-servicios/t651, requiring identification via a digital certificate, electronic ID, or Cl@ve.
