Minimum income schemes adapted

THE REGIONAL government has adapted its existing minimum income scheme (Renta Valenciana de Inclusión – RVI) to make it compatible with the new state-run Ingreso Mímimo Vital (IMV).

To achieve this, the RVI law has been modified by decree to ‘clarify and simplify’ the rules and make it possible to receive both benefits’, explained the regional department for equality.

As a result, the RVI has become a complement to the IMV from the national government which could not only offer additional financial aid, but also professional help ‘to find a way out of the social exclusion and cycle of material and social poverty they are stuck in due to factors against their will’.

To speed up the application process, it will be made possible to apply for both benefits with a single procedure regulated by the regional government and the national social security institute (INSS).

The decree also makes it possible to backdate claims or speed up urgent claims in special cases, such as the effects of Covid-19.

Applicants must have lived in the region for the last 12 months, but if they are homeless town halls must provide them with a municipal register certificate (padrón).

If they do not receive any contributory or non-contributory payments and meet the requirements, they will be able to access a guaranteed income.

Exemptions from the requirements are possible for asylum seekers, refugees, exiles, stateless people – and victims of prostitution, people trafficking, sexual exploitation or gender violence.