There are times when simply having a job does not guarantee that a person can meet their basic living needs. For people facing exclusion or at risk of poverty, a support measure exists in the form of the Minimum Vital Income, a cash amount designed to help those most in need while meeting economic and residency requirements.
The Minimum Vital Income is a social security provision established in 2020 to prevent social exclusion for individuals who live alone or are part of a household and lack the basic resources to cover essential needs, as defined by the government.
Who can apply for this assistance
Eligible applicants include adults over 23 who are not married, do not have a civil partner, and are not linked to any other household cluster. It also covers women of legal age who are victims of gender-based violence or victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as individuals aged 18 to 22 who come from residential protective centers for minors. People who are homeless are also eligible to seek the support.
In addition, the program recognizes certain vulnerable groups and lays out specific pathways for those who may be in transitional or unstable living situations, ensuring that the aid reaches a broad segment of those in need. The policy aims to streamline access for those who would otherwise fall through the cracks in social safety nets.
The Minimum Vital Income is part of a wider set of pension and social security measures that have seen adjustments in recent years. In 2024, minimum pensions, non-contributory benefits, and the Minimum Vital Income were increased by up to 6.9 percent under a government decree and in alignment with parliamentary recommendations. People seeking to understand the exact amounts for different personal circumstances can consult official social security publications or government summaries for the current figures. For a single adult, the IMV amount is established at 600 euros per month, while for someone with a dependent child the monthly amount rises to 784 euros.