New anti inflation measures aim to ease household budgets
Before the end of 2022, authorities announced a set of anti inflation steps designed to ease financial pressure on families, with special emphasis on the most vulnerable households. The plan includes a reduction in value added tax on essential goods, lowering VAT from 4% to 0% for basic needs and cutting the rate from 10% to 5% on items like cooking oil and pasta. Alongside these tax changes, a package of support measures is outlined for farmers to help offset higher fertilizer costs. The goal is to keep prices for fresh fruit and vegetables stable for consumers.
To provide direct relief at the point of purchase, the government proposed a 200 euro allowance to help families shop for groceries at supermarkets.
Who can qualify for this assistance?
Eligible households are those with an annual family income below 27,000 euros. In practical terms, the aid is awarded per household, not per individual member.
Another eligibility condition is that the household’s total assets must not exceed 75,000 euros. The value of their habitual residence is not counted in this assessment.
Additionally, households will not receive this aid if they already receive other forms of benefit, such as a pension or the Minimum Vital Income (IMV).
Officials estimate that roughly 4.2 million households could benefit from the 200 euro support. In Alicante province, for example, tax authority data show about 594,026 workers earning under 27,000 euros per year. While there is no precise figure on how many families will actually receive benefits, this information provides a reasonable basis for planning. It is important to note that all applicants must still meet the remaining requirements before any decision is made.
These anti inflation measures are designed to cushion the impact on the weekly grocery bill. Through tax relief and targeted payments, families can experience relief on essential purchases while the broader economy adjusts to higher price pressures. Consumers should expect these policies to be part of a wider strategy to stabilize household budgets during periods of price volatility.
When can you request the 200 Euro assistance?
The window to request the 200 euro check opens on February 15 and runs through March 31. Applicants should prepare to meet the established eligibility criteria and to provide any documentation required by the tax authorities during the application process.
How to request the 200 Euro assistance?
While precise procedural details were not finalized at the moment, indications point to the request being submitted through the Tax Office. Each case will be reviewed by the public institution, which will verify whether the applicant qualifies for the aid. If approved, the amount will be issued as a single payment directly into the applicant’s bank account.