New universal child benefit in Spain: Two children join hands in front of the Spanish flag, representing the government’s upcoming €2,400 annual support for every child under 18.
Credit :lunopark, Shutterstock

If you’ve got kids under 18 and you live in Spain, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for this one. The Spanish government is putting the finishing touches on a brand new scheme that could put an extra €200 a month- yes, that’s €2,400 a year- straight into the pockets of families for every child they’re raising.

It’s called the Universal Child Benefit (or ‘Prestación Universal por Crianza’ if you want to sound clever at the town hall). And for once, it’s truly universal: there’s no income limit, no tricky requirements about parents’ ages or jobs—just live in Spain and be officially registered where you live (empadronado) and you’re in.

Why the change? Well, Spain’s child poverty rates are still stubbornly high for such a wealthy country. Politicians say it’s time for a real safety net for every child, not just the most vulnerable.

How will Spain’s €2,400 child benefit work? What you need and when to apply

It’s refreshingly simple. To qualify, you just need to be living legally in Spain and show you’re on the municipal register. So start digging out your DNI, family book (libro de familia), and a recent padrón certificate. That’s about it.

The plan is that you’ll be able to apply online or in person, much like other benefits run by the Spanish Social Security office. Expect to see application details roll out as soon as the 2025 budget gets the official nod.

When will this actually happen? That’s the million-euro question. The scheme is ready to go, but it’s waiting for Spain’s 2025 national budget to clear parliament. If you’ve followed Spanish politics, you’ll know that’s not always quick, but the government says they hope to launch the benefit by the end of the year. So if you’re thinking ahead for Christmas shopping—or just covering the weekly food shop—it’s worth keeping tabs on the news.

Already receiving family benefits? How the new €2,400 child allowance stacks up

Don’t panic. The universal child benefit won’t replace existing support like the Ingreso Mínimo Vital or the child supplement for low-income families. It’s meant to add to what’s already out there, so you’re not going to lose out if you already get help.

Families with children with disabilities will also keep any specific support they’re currently entitled to.

Why now? And why Universal?

It all comes down to cutting child poverty, and making sure no family slips through the cracks. Previous benefits had lots of small print and many families missed out. By making it universal, the government says they’ll get help to everyone, and actually reduce paperwork (and headaches) for families and officials alike.

Pablo Bustinduy, Spain’s Minister for Social Rights, summed it up pretty well: “It’s simply not acceptable that a country as rich as Spain still has so many families struggling to give their kids the basics.”

With prices still rising and the cost of living showing no sign of dropping, for many parents this new payment could be a real game-changer.

The Takeaway :

  • €200 per month, per child, up to age 18—no strings attached if you live legally in Spain.
  • Applies to everyone, no matter how much you earn.
  • Expected to launch in late 2025 (if budgets pass).
  • Easy to apply, just get your ID, family book and padrón ready.
  • Compatible with other support—so you won’t lose any help you already have.

So, watch this space! If the Spanish government gets this over the line, families all across the country could be feeling a little less pressure on their wallets very soon.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Spain

Tags: Spain family benefits