Spain close to approving €200-a-month universal child payment for all families
The Spanish government has approved an update to its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, which includes a major proposal that would affect all families across the country, including the Canary Islands: a universal child payment of €200 per month for every child under 18.
The measure has been put forward by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, and the aim is for every family to receive it, regardless of income.
Pablo Bustinduy, the minister responsible, highlighted that the new benefit would have an “extraordinary” positive effect on society and help strengthen Spain’s welfare system.
How Much Would It Reduce Child Poverty?
A study from UNICEF published in late 2025 found that a €200 monthly payment could reduce child poverty in Spain by 7.1 percentage points, lifting more than 500,000 children out of poverty.
Even a €100 monthly payment would still have a major impact, improving conditions for hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers.
Other Key Social Goals for 2030
The updated strategy also includes several wider commitments:
- Cut the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 10%.
- Reduce the gender pay gap to 10%.
- Triple public spending on housing to reach 5% social rental stock.
- Fully digitalise immigration procedures.
- Lower early school dropout rates to 9%.
- Further actions on renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and social-economy development.
When Could the Payment Start?
Although the child benefit is now officially part of the strategy, it does not yet have an approved budget. The proposal will still need to pass into law and receive funding through future national budgets.
The government has set the political direction, but the final decision will depend on the upcoming General State Budgets, meaning more details will emerge in the months ahead.
Share:
