Minimum income scheme widened

THE REGIONAL minimum income scheme (renta valenciana de inclusion - RVI) is being adapted to enable claims to be lodged six months early, simplify and speed up the process, increase payouts and widen criteria for eligibility.

The law regulating the benefit, which is compatible with the national minimum income (ingreso mímimo vital), has been adapted to help especially vulnerable collectives, explained the regional department for equality and inclusive politics.

For example, young people in regional government care will be able to apply six months before they turn 18 in order to ease their transition to an independent life.

Early claims can also be lodged by residents whose unemployment benefit is going to run out, or who are in an institution – such as for mental health problems – which they have to leave on a certain date.

For the same reason, the time taken to process urgent claims, including those resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic situation, will be halved and they will be prioritised. The changes also enable other benefits to be combined, including those from social security for permanent incapacity.

And extended families of more than six people in a household will be able to claim an extra €60 per month for each additional member.

Meanwhile households with minors must sign up to career guidance. All these new complements will be applied in all cases by the end of this year, an equality department spokesperson assured.

Requisites for the RVI include having been resident in the region for 12 months, although there are exceptions for various circumstances.