Curious little one. Baby playfully tries to nibble on her own foot while lying on the bed at home.
Cash boost for parents: Social Security doles out €1,000 per child.
Credit: Shutterstock, ANNA GRANT
Parents across Spain could be in for a tidy windfall as the Spanish Social Security Office is handing out a one-off payment of €1,000 cash per child under 17. But before you start planning your spending spree, there are a few hoops to jump through! Read on to find out.
Who gets the cash?
This payout isn’t for everyone. It’s aimed at struggling families who need a helping hand with the soaring costs of raising children. To qualify, your child must have been born or adopted in Spain on or after November 16, 2007. The scheme covers:
- Large families, whether through birth or adoption
- Single parents
- Parents with a disability of 65% or more
But if you’re fostering, sorry, you won’t be eligible.
More strings attached
Even if you fall into one of the above categories, you’ll need to tick a few more boxes:
- You must legally reside in Spain and be registered with Social Security.
- Your household income must be below the set limits (see breakdown below)
- You can’t already be receiving similar benefits from another public welfare scheme.
If you’re over 26, you must have paid into the system for at least 180 days in the last seven years or 360 days over your working life. Those aged 21-25 need 90 days in the last seven years or 180 days total. Under 21s? No minimum contribution needed.
How much can you get?
The grant is a straight-up €1,000 per child. Two kids? €2,000. Three? €3,000. No cap on how many children are covered!
But there’s a catch. If your income edges above the threshold, you won’t get the full amount. Instead, you’ll pocket the difference between your income and the set limit. For example, a single parent with two kids earning €16,500 a year exceeds the €16,112 limit by €387. Instead of the full €1,000, they’ll get €612.
The income limits
Here’s how much you can earn before your payout gets slashed:
Standard Families:
1 child: €14,011
2 children: €16,112
3 children: €18,214
4 children: €20,315
5 children: €22,417
6 children: €24,519
7 children: €26,620
8 children: €28,722
9 children: €30,824
10 children: €32,925
Large Families (officially recognised as ‘Familia Numerosa’ under the Spanish system):
3 children: €21,086
4 children: €24,502
5 children: €27,918
6 children: €31,334
7 children: €34,750
8 children: €38,166
9 children: €41,582
10 children: €44,998
How to claim your cash
Parents can apply in person at the Social Security Assistance Centres (CAISS) with an appointment or do it online via the Social Security’s electronic portal.
Once approved, the €1,000 will land in your bank account in one lump sum. It’s a separate payout and won’t affect any other benefits you receive for having children.
So, if you fit the bill, why wait? Get your hands on the cash and ease the burden of those ever-rising child-rearing costs!
Read more original news in English about living in Spain.
Read more news in English from around Spain.
