The minimum vital income (ingreso mínimo vital) is an economic benefit that forms part of the social protection system in Spain. It was approved in May 2020 with the aim of guaranteeing a minimum level of income for individuals and families in a situation of economic vulnerability. The purpose of this benefit is to prevent and reduce poverty, as well as to promote social inclusion.
The minimum vital income is an economic benefit that forms part of the social protection system in Spain. It was approved in May 2020 with the aim of guaranteeing a minimum level of income for individuals and families in a situation of economic vulnerability. The purpose of this benefit is to prevent and reduce poverty, as well as to promote social inclusion.
The IMV has been designed to supplement the income of households whose financial resources are insufficient to cover basic needs. This benefit is granted monthly and its amount varies according to several factors, such as the number of members in the cohabitation unit and the household's income and assets.
Who can be a beneficiary of the minimum vital income?
In general, beneficiaries of the IMV can be individuals aged 23 or over who, although sharing a residence with a cohabitation unit, are not integrated into it. Therefore, living with one's parents also counts as a unit. This income can also be received by women of legal age who are victims of gender-based violence or of human trafficking and sexual exploitation; individuals between 18 and 22 years of age who come from residential child protection centres or who are full orphans; and homeless people.
As for the holders of the IMV, that is, the people who receive the benefit on behalf of the cohabitation unit and represent it, they must have legal capacity and be over 23 years of age. Holders may also include people of legal age or emancipated minors who have children or minors in their care for the purpose of adoption or permanent foster care.
Requirements for applying for the minimum vital income
In order to apply for the minimum vital income, a series of legally established requirements must be met. Below, we present the main requirements for accessing this benefit.
Legal residence in Spain: It is necessary to have legal residence in Spanish territory in order to apply for the IMV.
Cohabitation unit: The IMV is granted to the cohabitation unit, that is, to all the people living in the same household who share financial resources. It is important to bear in mind that there are specific requirements regarding the composition and situation of the cohabitation unit.
Income and assets: The household's income and assets are one of the determining factors for accessing the minimum vital income. Maximum income and asset limits are established, which vary depending on the number of members of the cohabitation unit. Income and assets must be below these limits in order to be eligible for the benefit.
Age: There are specific requirements regarding the age of applicants. Applicants must be 23 years of age or older, except in cases of single-parent families or families with dependants with disabilities.
Employment status: Specific conditions are established for people who are unemployed or for workers with low incomes.
In order to apply for it individually while living in your parents' home, you must prove:
- Prior independence: Having lived independently (in a home different from that of your parents) during the 2 years immediately preceding the application.
- Social security contributions: Having been registered with Social Security or a mutual insurance fund for at least 12 months (at any time prior).
If you are 30 years of age or older, you must have lived independently during the year immediately preceding the application.
Finally, the law does not require these years of prior independence in special situations, such as:
- Victims of gender-based violence who have had to leave the family home.
- People in the process of separation, annulment or divorce.