The Government has approved in its extraordinary Council of Ministers the minimum living income (MVI). The benefit aims to reach 850,000 families in extreme poverty and will range from 461.5 euros to 1,015 euros per household. Iglesias said that the income can be requested from June 15 and will be given retroactively – with effect from June 1 – to all those who request it before September 15.
The Minister of Finance and Government Spokesperson, María Jesús Montero; the Second Vice-President and Minister of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, Pablo Iglesias, and the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, José Luis Escriva, have publicly presented the measure in order to alleviate the economic impact that the current coronavirus pandemic is causing.
What is the minimum living income?
The Minimum Living Income is a basic income aimed at households in a situation of “severe poverty” and is paid by Social Security. In Spain, there are 1.1 million households with all their members unemployed, and almost 600,000 that have no income at all, according to the Población Activa Survey. Therefore, the minimum living income is aimed at the most vulnerable families that do not have resources.
Who can apply for the minimum living income?
Those entitled to apply must be between 23 and 65 years of age and have an income of between 5,538 and 12,184 euros at most. For this calculation, Social Security will take into account the income received annually by the person who applies and whether they have any assets, excluding their main residence and subtracting any outstanding debts. To determine the applicant’s income, Social Security will take into account the income declared in the previous year or by establishing an average of the months of the current year, so as not to exclude those applicants who have lost their income in the face of eventualities such as the current pandemic.
Minimum living income, how much?
The amount of the minimum income ranges from 461.5 euros for an adult to 1,015 euros for households with five members, two adults with three children or three adults and two children. The initial amount is increased by 139 euros per additional person. In the case of single-parent families, they are guaranteed an income of between 700 and 977 euros, depending on the number of children. These households have a supplement of 100 euros.
Can I work and earn the minimum income?
Yes, employment is compatible with the minimum living income for a period of time, but the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Social Security has not yet detailed the deadlines. Pablo Iglesias has specified that the benefit will not be reduced by the same amount as the salary so as not to discourage labour insertion and avoid the “poverty trap” (choosing between taking a job or receiving a benefit). The benefit is linked to the active search for work.
How to apply for the minimum living income?
José Luis Escrivá has indicated that it will be possible to apply through the Social Security, on whom the assistance will officially depend. Furthermore, given the paralysis of a large part of the Administration as a result of the confinement and the state of alarm, it will also be possible to apply through the additional channels of other Administrations to speed up the procedures.
Beneficiaries can apply on the SEPE (State Employment Service) website or by sending the documentation by ordinary mail. There will be a 900 telephone number and a virtual assistant, but town halls that sign an agreement will also collaborate.
How will the minimum living income be collected?
The payment will be made in 12 monthly instalments by bank transfer. All applications made from 15 June to 15 September will be charged retroactively from 1 June.
Please check the official website information here and document and
Original story from EL Español
