Spanish households face rising costs and new childcare aid

Spanish households are facing increasing financial pressure due to rising costs, impacting their ability to save and manage essential expenses. According to the V Cofidis Observatory, after housing costs, the primary expenditures for families are food and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by utilities (electricity, water, and gas) and transportation.

To mitigate these pressures, the Childhood Assistance Supplement (CAPI) is currently in effect to support low-income families. This benefit provides financial aid for each child under 18, and notably, recipients do not need to be receiving the Minimum Vital Income (IMV) to qualify.

For 2026, the monthly amounts vary by age: children under 3 years old receive 115 euros per month (1,380 euros annually), children aged 3 to 6 receive 80.50 euros per month (966 euros annually), and children aged 6 to 18 receive 57.50 euros per month (690 euros annually). The Federation of Large Families in Spain reports that three out of four households face difficulties meeting monthly expenses, with approximately 35% of the child population at risk of poverty or social exclusion.