Sometimes, even without a job, a person can still meet basic living needs. For those situations and many tougher ones, help exists, such as a minimum living income designed to support people at risk of social exclusion or poverty, considering their economic needs, assets, and residence status.
The Minimum Living Income is a government benefit linked to Social Security. Introduced in 2020, it aims to prevent social exclusion for individuals living alone or in shared housing who lack the resources to cover essential expenses.
Who can apply for this assistance?
Eligible individuals include unmarried adults over 23, legal-age women without a de facto partner or who are not part of another cohabiting unit, and people who are victims of gender violence, or victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. It also covers those aged 18 to 22 from child protection centers or homelessness programs, seeking stable support in difficult circumstances.
In 2024, minimum pensions, non-contributory pensions, and the Minimum Living Income (IMV) increased by 6.9%, in line with Royal Decree 2/2023 and the Toledo Pact recommendation. The amounts payable under different scenarios are published in the Social Security Journal. For a single person, IMV is set at 600 euros per month, while a person with a dependent child receives 784 euros per month.
Outside of the referenced jurisdiction, Canada and the United States have similar social safety programs that aim to reduce poverty and prevent social exclusion. In Canada, provincial and federal programs provide income support, housing subsidies, and access to essential services, with eligibility based on residence, income, and family status. In the United States, various federal and state programs offer cash assistance, food support, housing aid, and healthcare access to low-income individuals and families. People seeking these kinds of supports should check their local government websites for current rules, eligibility criteria, and monthly benefit amounts, as they vary by region and over time. Such programs are part of a broader safety net designed to ensure basic living standards while people pursue employment, education, or other pathways to self-sufficiency.
Overall, the IMV and similar programs are intended to reduce poverty risk and support independent living. They provide a predictable monthly floor that helps cover essential needs like housing, utilities, food, and basic care. Recipients often use these funds to stabilize housing, avoid premature entry into more costly accommodations, and maintain health and well-being during transitions such as job searches or skill development. The specifics of eligibility, benefit rates, and the application process are subject to ongoing policy decisions and budget allocations, so interested individuals should stay informed about changes at the relevant social security or welfare offices in their country or region.