Being left in economic limbo when unemployment benefits are exhausted is one of the greatest fears of any worker. To avoid this, the Government has activated an automatic transition that allows you to go from the SEPE subsidy to the Minimum Vital Income (IMV). Furthermore, after the approval of Royal Decree-Law 16/2025, the amounts have increased significantly to protect families’ pockets against the cost of living.
How does it work?
Thanks to the crossing of data between the SEPE and Social Security, the system works almost invisible to the citizen:
The Treasury uncovers the improper collection of the Minimum Living Income by reviewing the income of a beneficiary and detecting income higher than the allowed limit
Social Security officials agree: “You can collect 0 euros of Minimum Vital Income and still receive this help for child care”
- Prior notice: Months before your unemployment benefits run out, the SEPE will ask you if you give your consent to use your data.
- Data transfer: If you accept, the SEPE will send all the necessary information to Social Security.
- No waiting: The objective is that, the day after collecting your last monthly unemployment payment, you will already have the IMV recognized, avoiding that income gap that previously lasted months.
How much do you really charge?
The IMV is a complement that ensures a floor of income. For this year, the guaranteed income has increased by more than 11%. These are the estimated monthly figures according to the type of home:
| Coexistence Unit | Monthly Amount 2026 |
|---|---|
| a single adult | €733.91 |
| two adults | €954.10 |
| One adult and two minors | €1,174.27 |
| Two adults and more than two minors | €1,614.62 |
| Single Parent Unit (1 adult + 4 minors) | €1,776.08 |
That is to say; In the case of families with several children or single-parent situations, the aid can greatly exceed 1,600 euros per month.
This reinforcement comes at a time when unemployment in Spain affects some 2,357,044 million people, with an especially harsh impact on women (who represent 60% of unemployment). In addition to the base amount, specific aid is maintained such as 1,000 euros per year per child with a disability or child support supplements.
When can you start charging?
Although the increase took effect on January 1, 2026, Social Security pays in arrears. Therefore, if you are already a beneficiary or have just entered the system, you will see this increase reflected in your bank account at the end of the month. Now, if the IMV is already charged, the update is automatic; That is, you don’t have to claim anything at the offices.
If for some reason the automatic process is not activated, you can always request it yourself through the Social Security electronic headquarters, where the procedure has been simplified to make it much more intuitive.