In June 2026, Spain's Minimum Living Income (Ingreso Mínimo Critical) supported 2,627,344 people across 860,458 households, information from official data. The average monthly payment per household reached €506.99, and the average per beneficiary was €166.04. Social Security spent €465.7 million on the benefit that month.
The benefit is administered through Spain's social-protection system, overseen by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. The ministry's electronic office provides an official application procedure.
Coverage increased significantly from the previous year, with 373,943 more people now receiving support. Children make up a large share of recipients: 1,070,918 beneficiaries are under 18, nearly 41% of the total.
How the Payment Is Calculated
The €166.04 figure is an average, not a fixed payment for each person. The benefit is calculated for the household as a whole, based on its income and composition. The basic applicant receives one payment, calculated by subtracting the household's countable income from the guaranteed minimum income for its specific circumstances. The minimum payment is €10 per month.
For 2026, the guaranteed income starts at €733.60 per month for a single adult. It rises to €953.68 for two adults or one adult with a child, and can reach €1,613.92 for larger families. These are maximum reference amounts before household income is deducted. Certain single-parent families and households with a member whose recognized disability is 65% or more receive an additional increase of 22%.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
Applicants must have legally and effectively resided in Spain for at least one year before applying. Exceptions cover children who join a household through birth, adoption, family reunification, guardianship or encourage care, as well as victims of trafficking, sexual exploitation or gender-based violence.
Applicants must also meet the economic vulnerability requirement: the previous year's average monthly income must be at least €10 below the household's guaranteed income. Social Security also reviews the assets of all household members, except the basic residence. In general, the household must have been established for at least six months before applying, although legal exceptions apply.
Extra Support for Families with Children
Families with children can receive a supplement for each minor in the household. The amount depends on the child's age on January 1 of the relevant year: €115 per month for children under three, €80.50 for those aged three to under six, and €57.50 for children aged six to 18.
In June, 600,076 households received the supplement, averaging €67.10 per child and €122.30 per household. A family can receive the child supplement even if it does not qualify for the basic Minimum Living Income, because the supplement has broader income and asset thresholds.
