The Minimum Vital Income (IMV) continues to strengthen its role as a key social protection mechanism in Spain. According to data corresponding to February 2026, the benefit currently reaches 810,928 households, covering 2,477,021 people across the country. The average monthly payment stands at €545.1 per household, with the total expenditure for the month amounting to €472.2 million.
The profile of recipients shows a clear predominance of women. Women represent 68% of the benefit holders, equivalent to 551,113 individuals, while 53.4% of all beneficiaries are also women, totalling 1,323,208 people. These figures highlight the importance of the program in providing economic support to women facing financial vulnerability.
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Two-thirds of Minimum Vital Income holders and more than half of beneficiaries are women
Over the past year, the number of households receiving the benefit has increased significantly. Compared with January 2025, there are 122,921 additional active benefits, representing an increase of nearly 18% in the number of protected households. The number of beneficiaries has followed a similar trend, rising by 18.1%, which corresponds to 379,731 additional people receiving support.
Since its implementation in 2020, the Minimum Vital Income has provided protection to 3,482,781 individuals, reinforcing its role as a central public policy instrument to address poverty and social exclusion.
The program has a particularly significant impact on families with children. Currently, 40.9% of beneficiaries are minors, which represents 1,013,102 children and adolescents receiving support through this benefit. In addition, 69% of households receiving the IMV include minors, totalling 559,083 family units.
Among these households, 136,680 are single-parent families, representing approximately 17% of all beneficiary households. In the vast majority of these cases, the sole adult responsible for the household is a woman, highlighting the importance of the program in supporting women-led families.
The system also includes a child support supplement, designed to strengthen assistance for households with dependent children. In February, 560,800 households received this additional benefit, with an average support of €66.1 per child and €119.9 per household with minors. The monthly amounts vary depending on the child’s age: €115 for children aged 0 to 3, €80.5 for those between 3 and 6, and €57.5 for those aged 6 to 18.
This supplement can be requested independently of the Minimum Vital Income, as it has broader income eligibility thresholds, enabling support for families with low or moderate incomes.
Demographic analysis of beneficiaries also reveals a significant impact on younger populations. The average age of IMV beneficiaries is 28.5 years, while excluding the benefit holders reduces the average age to 20.1 years, reflecting its relevance as a financial support mechanism for young people in vulnerable situations.
The Minimum Vital Income is a Social Security benefit designed to guarantee a minimum level of income for households experiencing economic vulnerability. Access to the benefit requires legal and continuous residence in Spain for at least one year, as well as proof that the household lacks sufficient income or assets.
The program is structured to adapt to the specific circumstances of each household. It is compatible with employment income and incorporates incentives aimed at facilitating entry into the labour market, thereby promoting social inclusion and improving living conditions.