Informal care for elderly dependents in Chile is primarily the responsibility of families, especially women, with the state playing a secondary role. The study, conducted in the Santiago Metropolitan Area, found that most caregivers are women from low and mid-low socioeconomic backgrounds. These caregivers often face significant challenges, including economic strain, physical and mental health issues, and the burden of caring for elderly dependents. The care is typically long-term and involves a range of tasks, from daily assistance to managing medical needs. Caregivers often have to balance their roles as family members, workers, and caregivers, leading to stress and conflict. Many caregivers have had to leave their jobs to provide care, resulting in financial difficulties for their families. The state provides limited support, such as the "Programa de postrados," which offers financial assistance to families of severely disabled individuals. However, this support is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing number of elderly dependents. The study highlights the lack of comprehensive social policies to support caregivers, emphasizing the need for a more active state role in providing economic assistance, home care services, and training for caregivers. The findings suggest that the current system is in crisis due to the increasing number of dependents and the decreasing availability of caregivers. The state's role in welfare is limited, and the burden of care falls disproportionately on women, who are often the primary caregivers. The study calls for a shift towards a more collective responsibility for care, with the state playing a more active role in ensuring the well-being of both dependents and caregivers.Informal care for elderly dependents in Chile is primarily the responsibility of families, especially women, with the state playing a secondary role. The study, conducted in the Santiago Metropolitan Area, found that most caregivers are women from low and mid-low socioeconomic backgrounds. These caregivers often face significant challenges, including economic strain, physical and mental health issues, and the burden of caring for elderly dependents. The care is typically long-term and involves a range of tasks, from daily assistance to managing medical needs. Caregivers often have to balance their roles as family members, workers, and caregivers, leading to stress and conflict. Many caregivers have had to leave their jobs to provide care, resulting in financial difficulties for their families. The state provides limited support, such as the "Programa de postrados," which offers financial assistance to families of severely disabled individuals. However, this support is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing number of elderly dependents. The study highlights the lack of comprehensive social policies to support caregivers, emphasizing the need for a more active state role in providing economic assistance, home care services, and training for caregivers. The findings suggest that the current system is in crisis due to the increasing number of dependents and the decreasing availability of caregivers. The state's role in welfare is limited, and the burden of care falls disproportionately on women, who are often the primary caregivers. The study calls for a shift towards a more collective responsibility for care, with the state playing a more active role in ensuring the well-being of both dependents and caregivers.