Spain is extending its Minimum Vital Income (IMV) program to include young adults aged 23 and over who continue to live with their parents, a move designed to address economic vulnerability and high living costs. The policy, effective as of , reflects a shift in how the Spanish Social Security system (Seguridad Social) defines household economic units.
Previously, IMV eligibility largely focused on individuals or households living independently. However, recent clarifications now allow those aged 23 or older residing with their parents to apply for the benefit individually, provided they are not integrated into their parents’ economic unit. This means applicants must demonstrate financial independence, even while sharing a home.
Financial Support and Revalorization
The IMV, first introduced in 2020, guarantees a minimum income level to households lacking sufficient resources. For 2026, the benefit has been revalued by 11.4% above inflation, increasing the average monthly amount to approximately €540 for beneficiaries. Individual beneficiaries can now receive up to €733.91 per month. The exact amount varies based on prior income, assets, and compatibility with other forms of assistance.
Beyond the monthly IMV benefit, the Spanish government has also approved a separate program offering up to €30,000 in assistance for young people under 35 to facilitate homeownership. This takes the form of a grant towards the purchase of protected housing with an option to buy, effectively functioning as an advance payment. A further subsidy of up to €10,800 is available for home purchases in rural municipalities with populations under 10,000.
Eligibility Requirements: Demonstrating Independence
To qualify for the IMV while living with parents, applicants between the ages of 23 and 29 must demonstrate at least two years of prior independent living, evidenced by rental contracts or Social Security registration. Those over 30 need only prove one year of prior independent residence. Exceptions to this requirement exist for individuals in vulnerable situations, including victims of gender-based violence, trafficking, or those undergoing separation or divorce proceedings.
The key criterion is establishing a separate economic unit. This means applicants cannot be married, registered as a domestic partner, or part of another cohabitating unit. The cessation of cohabitation with parents due to their death also exempts applicants from the independence requirement.
Additional Benefits and Considerations
The IMV offers additional benefits for individuals with disabilities. A disability equal to or exceeding 65% increases the benefit by 22%. For households, the base amount increases by 30% for each additional member after the second, capped at 220%. Single-parent families receive a 22% supplement, applicable also in cases of gender-based violence or severe dependency. An additional 22% is added if a household member has a recognized disability of 65% or more.
The IMV remains a non-contributory benefit subject to periodic checks by the Social Security system. Beneficiaries are required to report any changes in their economic or employment status, and failure to comply with income limits may result in suspension of benefits or repayment of funds.
Addressing a Growing Trend
The policy change comes as a response to the increasing number of young Spaniards delaying moving out of their parents’ homes, largely due to rising rental costs. The Spanish Youth Council reports that seven out of ten employed young people in Spain continue to live with their parents. The government’s move aims to provide financial support to this demographic while acknowledging the realities of the current housing market.
The IMV is not automatically granted based on age; eligibility is contingent upon demonstrating economic vulnerability and meeting the established income and asset requirements. The focus remains on providing assistance to those who genuinely need it, even within the context of shared living arrangements.
