The €1,600 support payment that thousands in the Canaries still aren’t claiming
The Minimum Vital Income (Ingreso Mínimo Vital – IMV) has become one of Spain’s most important tools for supporting low-income households, especially in regions like the Canary Islands, where many families face economic difficulties. The payment is managed by Social Security and designed to guarantee a basic level of income for people and families at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The IMV is generally available to adults aged 23 to 65, although young people aged 18 to 22 may qualify if they were previously under the care of the child protection system. In the Canary Islands, where there are many single-parent households and some of the lowest wages in the country, this support has become particularly important.
Who can apply?
To receive the IMV, applicants must meet a series of requirements:
- Prove economic vulnerability, based on income and assets, both for the applicant and their household.
- Have legally lived in Spain for at least one year without interruption.
- Have exhausted other benefits or payments they are entitled to.
- If living alone, demonstrate independent living for at least three years.
Certain groups are exempt from some requirements, including women who are victims of gender-based violence and people who have been victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation.
How much is paid in 2025?
The amount varies depending on the size and composition of the household:
- A single person may receive around €658 per month.
- Payments increase depending on the number of adults and children in the home.
- Single-parent families with more than one child can exceed €1,400 per month.
- In some cases, with additional supplements, the amount can reach up to €1,600.
A vital safety net in the Islands
The Canary Islands have one of the highest levels of structural poverty and some of the lowest salaries in Spain. For this reason, the IMV has become a lifeline for thousands of families across the archipelago. The payment helps cover essential costs such as rent, food, transport between islands and other day-to-day expenses.
Beyond reducing inequality, the IMV also helps to address the unique challenges of island life, where prices can be higher and job opportunities more limited than on the mainland.
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