In June, the Minimum Basic Income reached more than 2.6 million people living in 860,458 households

In June, the Minimum Basic Income (IMV) reached 860,458 households in which 2,627,344 people live, according to the latest statistics published by the National Social Security Institute (INSS). The average benefit amount is €507 per month per household, and the total payout for this month amounted to €465.7 million.

In June, there were 123,591 more active benefits than during the same period a year ago, representing a 16.8% increase.

In terms of the evolution of beneficiaries, June saw 373,943 more beneficiaries than were recorded in the same month of the previous year (a 16.6% increase).

Both in terms of the profile of the recipients and the beneficiaries, we can say that the Minimum Basic Income has a markedly female profile. In June, 68% of primary recipients (585,180) and 53.4% of beneficiaries - specifically 1,403,964 people - were women.

Social investment in children

The IMV has established itself as a model that places child protection at the centre. Currently, 1,070,918 children and adolescents are recipients of the benefit, representing almost 41% of the total. Cumulatively, more than 1.6 million children have been covered by the benefit since 2020.

More than two-thirds of households receiving the IMV have dependent children (591,436 households, around 70% of the total), which demonstrates its direct impact on reducing child poverty.

"The fact that seven out of ten beneficiary households have children living with them reminds us that the IMV is, above all, a benefit designed to protect families. Over the past six years, it has evolved to meet the needs of the most vulnerable households and today serves as a lifeline, providing stability in times of greatest difficulty", said Elma Saiz, Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

Family structure and gender inequality

The profile of beneficiary households reveals the relationship between economic vulnerability and family structure. Of the total number of households, 144,960 are single-parent households, the majority of which are headed by women who bear sole responsibility for bringing up their children. This reality reflects a greater exposure to precariousness and demonstrates that economic hardships are concentrated most intensely within this type of family structure.

In this context, the IMV acts as a stabilising mechanism for many families where women bear the primary responsibility for both finances and caregiving.

Child Support Supplement

The Child Support Supplement (CAPI) reinforces IMV coverage by providing additional support for each dependent child. In June, 600,076 households received it, with an average benefit of €67.10 per child and €122.30 per household with children. This benefit sets different payment amounts based on age: €115 per month for children under 3; €80.50 for those aged 3 to 6; and €57.50 for those aged 6 to 18.

The CAPI can be received independently of the IMV as it has wider income thresholds. To this effect, in addition to protecting families in severe poverty, it reaches households with low or moderate incomes. For instance, a family consisting of two adults and two children with a monthly income of up to approximately €4,182 can apply for it, significantly expanding the reach of the safety net against child poverty.

The IMV and young people

The IMV acts not only as a protection mechanism but also as a tool to support young people's social inclusion. The average age of beneficiaries - 28.5 years (or 20.2 years if primary claimants are excluded) - reflects the programme's impact during the early stages of working life. In this regard, its compatibility with earned income and incentives for labour market entry reinforce its role as a stepping stone to employment.

Indeed, improvements made to the IMV facilitate access to the benefit for vulnerable young people. For example, individuals over the age of 18, or emancipated minors who have dependent children can apply. Additionally, the required period of independent living for young people under 30 has been reduced from three years to two.

General requirements for applying for the IMV

The IMV is a Social Security benefit, launched nearly six years ago, that guarantees a minimum income level for households in vulnerable situations. It is structured as a subjective right, tailored to the specific circumstances of each household unit, and serves as a key tool in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, with a particular focus on children.

To apply for the IMV, you must have resided in Spain legally, effectively and continuously for at least the preceding year. Residency is proven via registration in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals for EU and Swiss citizens, or through the appropriate authorisation for nationals of third countries. Domicile in Spain is verified with a certificate of census registration, and cohabitation is proved by means of the family book, civil registry certificates or census data.

In addition, both the applicant and all other household members must be in a state of economic vulnerability, lacking sufficient income or assets.

People who have exhausted their unemployment benefit and are unable to find work can access the IMV without having to apply for it or provide new documentation, as the SEPE and the Social Security handle the recognition process automatically.

Additionally, the implementation of a dual income review system enables families to know in advance how their benefit will be adjusted. This means that since last year, beneficiaries have been able to determine whether their benefit will increase, decrease or be terminated based on the previous year's income.

Non official translation