The Minimum Basic Income (IMV) is a Social Security measure that provides a basic level of income to those in a situation of economic vulnerability. Its objective is to ensure the social and labour inclusion of beneficiaries.
The IMV was introduced in 2020 by Royal Decree-law in a context of imperative and necessity as a result of the pandemic. In December 2021, this was consolidated in Law 19/2021 of 20 December establishing the Minimum Basic Income.
According to statistics from the National Institute of Social Security in 2025, the IMV benefits 2,441,647 people living in 799,553 households.
Who is eligible for the Minimum Basic Income?
You can access the IMV as an individual or as a member of a household.
Cohabitation units are made up of a group of people who live in the same household and are united by marriage, unmarried partnership, or up to the second degree of consanguinity, affinity or adoption. It also includes people living together for reasons of foster care for the purpose of adoption or permanent foster care. The members of the cohabitation units will have access to the IMV through a single holder representing them.
In addition to the financial criteria, detailed below, IMV beneficiaries must meet certain requirements, which vary whether applying as an individual or as a representative of a household.
- In general, people aged 23 or over who are not in a cohabitation unit or in a marriage or civil partnership (unless they are in the process of separation or divorce) can be individual beneficiaries of the IMV . The age requirement or the requirement to start separation or divorce proceedings do not apply to women who are victims of sex-based violence or trafficking and sexual exploitation. In addition, people aged between 18 and 22 who come from child protection centres or who are absolute orphans can be individual holders, provided they are not part of a cohabitation unit. There are other more specific conditions, such as requirements of legal residence or having lived independently for a certain period of time prior to the application, which can be found on the IMV portal.
- IMV holders applying on behalf of a household must be at least 23 years old. The same applies to adults or emancipated minors who have children or minors in their care for the purpose of adoption or permanent foster care. The application must be signed by all members of legal age, and the applicant will represent the unit in all dealings with the IMV. As in the previous case, there are other more specific requirements that should be consulted before applying.
What is the amount of the IMV for 2026?
The amount of the Minimum Basic Income (IMV) is the difference between the guaranteed income, established by law, and any other income the beneficiaries may have. Therefore, access to the IMV is only granted if this income is less than the guaranteed income, and the amount received will be the amount necessary for the beneficiary to reach this income threshold. In the case of households, the income of all members will be considered.
The guaranteed income is established as an annual amount divided into 12 payments. In 2026, it increased by 11.4%, and its calculation is as follows:
- For an individual beneficiary, the guaranteed income is €733.60 per month.
- In the case of a household, the guaranteed income increases by 30% for each additional member. However, beyond five members, the amount no longer increases, so the guaranteed income for the household cannot exceed 220% of an individual's income. Therefore, for a household of five or more members, the guaranteed income will be €1,613.92 per month.
In addition to the established limits, there are two supplements that can increase the amount:
- In the case of single-parent households, 22% of an individual guaranteed income is added to the amount received. To be considered a single-parent household, the household must consist of a single adult living with one or more minor children up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity, over whom they have sole custody, or living with one or more minors in permanent foster care or guardianship for adoption purposes when they are the sole foster parent or guardian. Households in which there are two parents, guardians, or foster parents, but one is in prison or a hospital for an uninterrupted period of one year or more, will also be considered single-parent households. Similarly, households with two parents, guardians, or foster parents may be eligible for this supplement when one of them has a recognized Level 3 dependency, permanent total disability, or severe disability. Finally, in the case of a woman who has suffered gender-based violence and is the only adult in the household, it will not be required that she have sole custody of the child, or that she be the sole foster parent or guardian in the case of permanent foster care or guardianship for adoption purposes.
- If any member of the household has a recognized disability rating of 65% or higher, an additional supplement will be added, the same amount as the single-parent supplement.
Additionally, a monthly Child Support Supplement will be granted for each minor child in the household. This supplement is calculated based on the child's age at the beginning of the year for which the aid is granted: €115 for children under 3 years old; €80.50 for children over 3 and under 6 years old; And for those between 6 and 18 years old, the aid will be €57.50. This aid is also available to families who, due to their income, are not eligible for the Minimum Living Income (IMV), provided they meet certain conditions. You can find more information on this Social Security website.
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Is the amount of IMV updated with the change of personal circumstances?
Yes. A change in the personal circumstances of a person entitled to the Minimum Basic Income or of any member of the household may result in a change in the amount of the benefit. The change may be made during the year, and shall take effect from the first day of the month following the month in which the event giving rise to the change occurred.
In any case, the amount of the benefit shall be automatically updated on 1 January of each year, taking the actual annual income of the previous year as a reference and making the corresponding adjustments.
How can I apply for the Minimum Basic Income?
You can do this in the following ways:
- By internet, with an electronic certificate or Cl@ve, through the Social Security e-Office.
- By internet, without an electronic certificate or Cl@ve system, using the form specially provided by the Social Security. Please note that you will be asked for documentation to verify your identity, including a photograph and an email address.
- In person at the Social Security Assistance and Information Centres (CAISS).
During the application process you will be required to provide various documents to prove your identity, residence, family or financial situation. You can find more information on the means of proving these requirements in the corresponding section of the Social Security portal.
New telephone number for inquiries
Since November 4, 2024, the short telephone number 020 is available for information on the Minimum Vital Income. This free helpline is added to the current information number 900 20 22 22, which will continue to operate. The new line will offer information and personalized advice on requirements, applications, documentation, procedures and paperwork necessary to access the benefit.
Non official translation