Can I claim the Minimum Living Income?
Yes, if your household meets the vulnerability requirements. The Minimum Living Income (IMV) is a Social Security benefit for households in economic vulnerability. To claim it, your household unit must have income and assets below the thresholds set by law, and meet requirements of legal and effective residence in Spain (generally for the last year) and of age. The amount covers the gap up to a guaranteed income based on household size and composition: in 2026, after an 11.4% increase, the amount for an individual beneficiary is around €733 a month, rising with the number of members (with an increase for single-parent families). It's compatible with working (employment incentive). It's claimed from Social Security.
📋 The rules
- For households in economic vulnerability
- Income and assets below the legal thresholds
- Legal and effective residence (generally the last year)
- Individual amount ~€733/month in 2026 (rises by household)
- Compatible with working; claimed from Social Security
🔓 Exceptions
- Single-parent families: increased amount
- Trafficking or gender-violence victims: exceptions to the residence requirement
- Child support supplement for households with minors
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Claiming the IMV by hiding income or without meeting the requirements obliges you to repay what was unduly received and can carry sanctions. Also, you must report changes in the household situation (income, members, address) that affect the benefit. If it's unduly denied or they take long to decide, you can file a complaint. To apply, gather the documentation of income, assets, registration and household composition, and submit it to Social Security. Remember it's compatible with employment, so working doesn't automatically mean losing it.
📎 Official sources
- Social Security · Minimum Living Income →
- BOE · Law 19/2021 on the Minimum Living Income →
- Administración · Minimum Living Income →
❓ Frequently asked
Who can claim the Minimum Living Income?
Households in economic vulnerability whose income and assets are below the legal thresholds and who meet the requirements of legal and effective residence in Spain and of age. The household unit is assessed as a whole.
How much is the IMV in 2026?
It depends on household size and composition. After the 11.4% increase in 2026, the amount for an individual beneficiary is around 733 euros a month, rising with each additional member. Single-parent families have an increase on those amounts.
Can I work and claim the IMV?
Yes. The IMV is compatible with having work income, thanks to an employment incentive designed so that taking a job doesn't mean losing the benefit all at once. You must report your income, and the amount is adjusted accordingly.
What residence requirements are there?
Generally, legal and effective residence in Spain continuously for the year before the application. There are exceptions, e.g. for minors joining the unit, trafficking or exploitation victims, and women victims of gender violence.
How do I apply?
To Social Security, submitting documentation proving income, assets, registration and the household composition. If it's unduly denied or they take long to decide, you can file a complaint.
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