The Minimum Vital Income (IMV) continued to expand its social coverage in January 2026, reaching 798,312 households across Spain and benefiting 2,441,675 individuals. Among them, 1,001,789 are children and adolescents, highlighting the scheme’s significant contribution to reducing child poverty and strengthening social protection.
The average monthly benefit stands at €546.8 per household, with total payments exceeding €457.7 million for the month. As of January 2026, active benefits have been increased by 11.4%, reinforcing financial support for vulnerable families.
Compared to January of the previous year, the number of protected households has grown by 126,463, representing an 18.8% increase. The total number of beneficiaries has risen by 19.1%, adding 391,133 individuals year-on-year. Since its launch in 2020, the IMV has supported nearly 3.4 million people, including almost 1.5 million minors.
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Minimum Vital Income Reaches Nearly 800,000 Households in January and Protects Over One Million Children in Spain
The program shows a strong female dimension: approximately 68% of benefit holders are women (542,509), and women account for 53.4% of total beneficiaries, reaching 1,304,395.
Targeted Support to Combat Child Poverty
The IMV adjusts benefit amounts according to the number of minors within each household, making it a key instrument in addressing child poverty. Currently, 41% of beneficiaries are under 18. Additionally, 69.1% of supported households include minors, with 135,204 being single-parent families.
The Child Support Supplement (CAPI) further enhances coverage by providing additional monthly payments per dependent child. In January, 552,300 households received this supplement, with an average of €66 per child and €119.7 per household with minors. The monthly amounts vary by age: €115 for children aged 0–3, €80.5 for ages 3–6, and €57.5 for ages 6–18.
Importantly, CAPI can be accessed independently of the IMV, as it applies broader income thresholds. This design extends assistance beyond families in severe poverty to those with low or moderate incomes, widening the protective safety net.
Youth Inclusion and Employment Compatibility
The average age of IMV beneficiaries is 28.4 years, underscoring its relevance for young adults facing economic vulnerability. Excluding primary benefit holders, the average age drops to 20.1 years. Regulatory improvements now allow individuals over 18 — or emancipated minors with dependent children — to apply. The required period of independent living for applicants under 30 has been reduced from three to two years.
The IMV remains compatible with earned income and includes employment incentives designed to encourage workforce participation while maintaining financial stability for families.
Eligibility and Updated Management System
Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of legal and continuous residence in Spain, along with evidence of economic vulnerability due to insufficient income or assets. Household composition and residency are verified through official documentation.
A newly implemented dual income review mechanism allows beneficiaries to anticipate whether their benefit will increase, decrease, remain unchanged, or expire based on the previous year’s declared income, enhancing predictability and administrative transparency.
With sustained growth and reinforced benefits, the Minimum Vital Income continues to serve as a central pillar of Spain’s social security system, ensuring minimum income protection, addressing child poverty, and promoting social inclusion nationwide.