Minimum Inclusion Income (VMI) is a social assistance benefit granted to families and single persons in difficult situations, for the purpose of preventing and combating poverty and the risk of social exclusion.

VMI is a benefit provided by Law no. 196/2016 regarding the minimum inclusion income and has two components:

1. SUPPORT FOR INCLUSION

• This component aims to prevent and combat poverty and the risk of social exclusion and replaces the social aid previously granted to ensure the guaranteed minimum income.

2. SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

• This component is granted to families with children in care up to the age of 18 and aims at preventing poverty and encouraging children's participation in education, replacing the family support allowance.

A family or a single person can benefit from one or both components, depending on the available income, family composition, status as an elderly person or children's participation in education.

To access the VMI it is necessary to submit a single application, regardless of whether the family/single person will benefit from one or both components of this social assistance benefit. Also, granting the VMI is done through a single monthly payment, regardless if it is for one or both of its components.

VMI is not limited to granting a sum of money. This aid contains an integrated package of support measures in key areas, such as: employment, social services, education, health, and housing, all contributing to reducing the risk of poverty and social exclusion.