In Catalonia, the Spanish Social Security has set out the eligibility rules for the Minimum Living Income, or IMV, a state benefit for people and households facing economic vulnerability. The scheme is meant to help prevent poverty and social exclusion by guaranteeing a minimum monthly income.
To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions, including legal residency, age and income limits. The benefit is not granted just because someone has a low salary, as Social Security says eligibility depends on the full financial situation of the household.
Applicants must have legal residency in Spain for at least the past year and be at least 23 years old. They must also show economic vulnerability, meaning their income and assets do not go above the limits set for their household type. For an individual beneficiary in 2026, the reference income threshold is less than €723 a month.
The IMV is regulated by Law 19/2021 and managed by Social Security. The monthly amount changes depending on household composition in 2026. An individual beneficiary can receive up to €723 a month, while a household of four people, including at least one minor, can receive up to €1,393.84.
If a household’s income or salary is below those levels, the IMV covers the difference so total income reaches the set amount. Social Security and the Tax Agency also stress that all beneficiaries, regardless of income level, must file an income tax return.
According to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, the IMV protects about 2.6 million people across Spain, including more than one million minors. For readers following welfare and public aid updates in Catalonia, see our news coverage.