The beginning of 2026 will come with a certainty for thousands of households in Spain: the child or dependent child allowance will continue to be in force, although under a clearly transitory regime. This is established in Royal Decree-Law 16/2025, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), which confirms that this benefit will not be extinguished, but neither will it admit new applications.
The allowance is maintained only for families who were already entitled to assistance before the Minimum Vital Income (IMV) came into force and who have not been entitled to it for the same minor. The aim of this continuity is to prevent certain households from being left unprotected following the reform of the family benefit system, while consolidating the MVI as a central pillar of social policy.
How much will be charged per child in 2026?
The BOE clearly establishes the amounts to be paid during the next fiscal year. In general terms, the aid per child under 18 years of age will be 588 euros per year, which is equivalent to about 49 euros per month, distributed in periodic payments.
For families with particularly low incomes, the amount is increased to €637.92 per year, i.e. just over €53 per month. This reinforced tranche seeks to offer a small additional cushion to households with greater economic difficulties within the old regime.
In the case of disabled children, the amounts recognized are higher. Families with children with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33% can receive amounts of up to 1,000 euros per year, always within the established limits. In addition, when there is severe dependency or a very high degree of disability, specific complements are contemplated to cover the higher associated expenses.
Who will retain the right to the benefit
One of the most relevant aspects of the legal framework is that no new registrations will be admitted. The child allowance is closed to new beneficiaries and will only be maintained for those who strictly meet the established criteria.
They will retain the right in 2026:
-
Households that were already receiving assistance prior to the implementation of the IMV.
-
Families that have not received the Minimum Living Income for the same child.
-
Those who maintain legal residence in Spain and effectively cohabit with the dependent child or minor.
This design responds to a transitional regime that protects situations inherited from the previous system, but is no longer considered an ordinary means of access to family benefits.
Income limits: the key to not losing it
Maintenance of the benefit in 2026 is conditional on the household’s income level. Exceeding the fixed thresholds implies automatic suspension of the benefit.
The established limits are:
-
15,356 euros per year as a general cap.
-
23,109 euros per year for large families.
-
As of the fourth child, the limit is increased by an additional 3,745 euros for each child.
These brackets seek to adjust protection to the actual composition of households, allowing a larger margin the greater the number of dependent children. However, Social Security periodically monitors this income and, if it detects that the limits have been exceeded, it can suspend payment.
In addition, if it is found that a family has continued to receive the assistance without meeting the economic requirements, it will be possible to demand the return of the amounts unduly received.
Automatic collection, without new applications
Another key feature of the system is that it will not be necessary to submit an application to continue receiving the benefit in 2026. The payment is automatically maintained as long as there are no changes in the economic or family situation.
Social Security cross-checks tax and administrative data to verify that the requirements are met, which simplifies the process and avoids additional procedures for beneficiary families. Even so, it is advisable to periodically check the status of the benefit through the official channels available.
Where to check the aid status
Families can check if they are still beneficiaries and if the payments are active through:
-
Your Social Security portal, in the family benefits section.
-
The Importass application, which centralizes procedures with the Social Security.
-
Bank movements, especially in the first payments of the year, to confirm that the benefit continues to be paid normally.
These tools make it possible to detect any incidents in advance and act before suspensions or complaints occur.
Changes that must be reported
Although the collection is automatic, the obligation to inform the Social Security is still in full force and effect. There are certain situations that must be reported as soon as possible to avoid future problems.
Among the changes that must be reported are:
-
An increase in household income.
-
Modifications in custody, separation or changes in cohabitation.
-
That the child or dependent minor reaches the age of majority.
-
Access to the Minimum Living Income.
-
Transfer of residence abroad.
Failure to report these changes may result in undue charges and subsequent reclaiming of amounts paid.
