The Minimum Vital Income (IMV) is a social policy introduced in Spain to reduce poverty and social exclusion. This financial support is designed to guarantee a basic level of income for households facing economic hardship.
What is the Minimum Subsistence Income?
IMV provides economic assistance to households that cannot meet their essential needs due to their financial situation. It is an inclusive program meant to ensure a minimum standard of living and to lessen social inequalities.
The amount of IMV varies according to several factors, including the household composition and overall economic circumstances. There is no fixed sum; it is calculated on a case by case basis.
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To qualify for IMV, several requirements must be met:
- Legal and effective residence. Applicants must be legally and effectively resident in Spain and must have maintained that status for a continuous period before applying.
- Co-living unit. The income and assets of the household where the applicant lives are assessed.
- Economic situation. The household’s financial situation is reviewed to ensure income and assets do not exceed defined thresholds.
IMV childhood benefit supplement
The IMV child support supplement provides extra assistance to families with young children. Its aim is to support vulnerable families and help reduce child poverty.
The supplement amount depends on the child’s age:
- Children under three years old: 115 euros.
- Children aged three to five: 80.50 euros.
- Children aged six to seventeen: 57.50 euros.
The range can vary from 565.37 euros for a single adult in a co-living unit to 1,23.83 euros in a unit with four adults and one minor. For a typical family of two adults and two young children, the monthly benefit reaches 1,074.21 euros.
Detailed amounts for all scenarios in non-single-parent families are shown in a chart. Hovering over the bars reveals detailed data.
The requirements to access this supplement, as outlined on the Department of Labor website, include:
- Be part of a cohabitation unit that includes minors.
- Meet the IMV export requirements.
- Not exceed the maximum limits on assessable income, net worth, and assets tests.
How to claim IMV child benefit supplement
Eligible families can request this additional support through the National Social Security Institution (INSS). If IMV rights already exist, the supplement is automatically recognized. Otherwise, a separate IMV application is required to obtain the benefit.
The supplement starts on the first day of the month following submission and is paid monthly by bank transfer. Its duration continues as long as the economic vulnerability and the eligibility criteria persist.