Thousands of families across the Canary Islands may be entitled to receive up to €1,380 a year per child through a little-known financial support scheme linked to the country's Minimum Living Income (IMV).

The benefit, known as the Child Support Supplement (Complemento de Ayuda para la Infancia), is designed to help families with children who are on low or moderate incomes.

Importantly, applicants do not need to meet the strict poverty requirements associated with receiving the full Minimum Living Income payment, meaning many working families may qualify.

How Much Can Families Receive?

The amount paid depends on the age of each child in the household:

• Children under 3 years old: €115 per month (€1,380 per year)
• Children aged 3 to 6: €80.50 per month
• Children aged 6 to 18: €57.50 per month

The payments are made for each eligible child and can be combined.

For example, a family with a one-year-old child and a seven-year-old child could receive €172.50 per month, amounting to more than €2,000 a year in additional support.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Child Support Supplement, families must meet several conditions under Spain's Minimum Living Income legislation.

These include:

• Having at least one dependent child under 18.
• Being legally resident in Spain for at least one continuous year before applying.
• Meeting income and asset limits set by the Social Security system.

The income thresholds are significantly higher than those required for the full IMV benefit.

For example:

• A single-parent household with one child can earn up to approximately €34,332 per year and still qualify.
• A household with two adults and three or more children can have annual income of up to €58,101.

Asset limits also apply, ranging from approximately €55,460 to €102,997 depending on household size.

The family home is not included when calculating these asset limits.

How to Apply

One of the biggest advantages of the scheme is that applications can be submitted throughout the year. There are no deadlines or special application windows.

Applications are made online through the Social Security electronic portal using the same application form used for the Minimum Living Income (IMV).

The system automatically assesses household income and circumstances. If a family does not qualify for the full IMV payment but falls within the income limits for the Child Support Supplement, Social Security can award the child benefit automatically.

Support for Working Families

The benefit has been introduced to help tackle child poverty and provide additional support to households struggling with rising living costs.

Many families assume they are not entitled to assistance because they do not qualify for the full Minimum Living Income scheme. However, the wider income thresholds attached to the Child Support Supplement mean a far greater number of working households may be eligible.

Families who believe they may qualify are encouraged to check their circumstances through the Social Security website or seek advice before submitting an application.