On 20 October 2026, Law 2/2026 takes effect, replacing the 2017 law and changing the rules of the Renta Valenciana de Inclusión (RVI), the Valencian region’s minimum income scheme. The minimum age falls to 23, the residence requirement rises to three years on the padrón (local census), the maximum amount for one person is €793.80 a month and the Generalitat will have five months to decide. If you already receive the RVI, you keep your entitlement and at least your current amount. This guide summarises what changes and what you need to do.
What the RVI is
It is a Generalitat benefit for households facing economic and social hardship. It combines a monthly payment with professional support from municipal social services, set out in an Individual Inclusion Care Plan (PAI). It complements Spain’s national Minimum Living Income (IMV): it does not replace it, but tops it up to the Valencian amount.
The new law was published in the regional gazette (DOGV) on 20 April 2026 and takes effect six months later. Before that date, Law 5/2026 of 31 July had already amended several articles, including the residence rule.
Main requirements
- Age: at least 23. Applicants aged 23 to 30 must show they have lived independently for at least the previous two years, with at least 12 months of employment or equivalent income. This does not apply, among other cases, to people with a disability of at least 33% or dependency, people with children or other dependants, victims of gender violence or trafficking, or full orphans.
- Ages 18 to 22: only in those special situations, or if the person was under a child protection measure in the three years before turning 18.
- Residence: registration on the padrón in the Valencian Community for three continuous years before applying, or ten years within the last thirty. The text approved in April required fifteen months; Law 5/2026 tightened it. It does not apply to people with international protection, stateless people, victims of gender violence or trafficking, or people joining the household through birth, adoption or foster care.
- Economic need: household income must be at least €10 below the applicable maximum amount. The IMV is not counted for this test. Households with assets indicating sufficient means are excluded.
- Social need: shown through an assessment by your town hall’s social services.
- Other conditions: the applicant must not be registered as employed and must first have applied for any other benefits they may be entitled to.
How much you can receive
The maximum monthly amount depends on household size (Annex I of the law):
- 1 person: €793.80
- 2 people: €929.88
- 3 people: €1,020.60
- 4 people: €1,088.64
- 5 people: €1,156.68
- 6 or more people: €1,247.40
You receive the difference between that amount and household income, plus any supplements, minus what you receive from the IMV. Amounts will be reviewed every year and can never fall.
Supplements
- Rent or mortgage on your main home: an extra 30% on the recognised amount, capped at the actual cost.
- Children and adolescents: €60 a month per child, up to €180 per household.
- Specific pathway for victims of sexual exploitation or trafficking: €320 a month.
- Extraordinary circumstances such as disasters: an extra 15% when activated by departmental order.
Working without losing the benefit: the employment incentive
If someone in the household starts work while receiving the RVI, the full wage is not deducted for twelve months. A coefficient of 40% applies for the first four months, 60% for the next four and 80% for the last four. In addition, earnings of up to €200 a month are disregarded during that year.
How to apply and how long it takes
- Submit your application, preferably online, to the relevant Generalitat directorate-general. You can also apply through social services or at your town hall’s registry. The form includes a sworn statement and signing the inclusion agreement.
- Correct any gaps within ten days if asked for documents. If you do not reply, your application is treated as withdrawn.
- Social assessment: if your town hall has not already issued it, the Generalitat requests it, and it must arrive within one month.
- Decision: the maximum deadline is five months. If you are not notified, the application is deemed refused by silence, which allows you to challenge it.
- Payment: the benefit runs from the first day of the month after you apply (or after you correct your application), so waiting months are paid as arrears. Payments arrive before the fifth working day of each month.
If you are about to turn 23 or leave a residential placement, you can submit an advance application in the three months beforehand.
Fast-track processing applies to victims of gender violence, sexual exploitation or trafficking, people with a diagnosed serious mental disorder, social emergencies and people moving from another Spanish region where they received a minimum income.
If you already receive the RVI or have a pending application
- Current recipients: you keep your entitlement and are guaranteed at least your current amount. The new law applies in full when your circumstances change or amounts are updated.
- RGIM and RCIP strands: you will need to sign a PAI with social services (within three months for RGIM and one year for RCIP). If it is not signed for reasons attributable to you, the benefit ends.
- Applications pending on 20 October: they will be decided under the new law and you may be asked for more documents. Check the residence requirement in particular, which is now stricter.
Obligations while you receive it
- Report any economic, personal or family change within 20 working days.
- Register as a jobseeker and take part in the pathway assigned to you.
- File an income tax (IRPF) return every year, even if not otherwise required to.
- Spend no more than 30 days a year outside the Valencian Community and notify social services of any absence longer than seven days.
- Ensure that children in your care are enrolled in and attend school.
If you are refused or receive no answer
Against a decision, or once five months pass without a reply, you file a prior administrative claim with the same body within 30 days. The administration has 45 days to respond; after that, the route is the Social Court (Juzgado de lo Social). For delays you can also go to the Síndic de Greuges, which handled many complaints about RVI delays in 2026. We explain how in our guide on how to complain when the Generalitat does not respond.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new Valencian inclusion income take effect?
On 20 October 2026, six months after its publication in the DOGV.
Can I receive the RVI and the Minimum Living Income at the same time?
Yes. The IMV does not count when assessing whether you meet the income test, but it is deducted from the RVI amount you receive.
How long does the benefit last?
An initial six years, renewable every three years while the situation of need continues.
Does it give access to other support?
Yes. Recipients have direct access to Generalitat textbook grants, school meal and tuition grants and the Carnet Jove youth card, and priority for public housing, nursery places, the thermal social bonus and disability assessments.