How to continue receiving the Child Benefit if they work and earn less than the minimum wage

The Social Security maintains the benefit for dependent children when the minor’s annual income does not exceed the minimum wage. For families with children who work and earn less than the minimum wage, this aid can remain active, provided certain basic requirements are met.

Many parents wonder: what happens if my child works but does not reach the annual minimum wage? The answer is that the benefit does not disappear automatically, but it is important to know when the right is lost.

Requirements to maintain the benefit for Dependent Child

Which groups are affected?

The benefit is intended for families with minor children or persons with disabilities in their care. It especially affects:

• Countries with minor children who work and earn less than the annual minimum wage.
• Families with children with disabilities, with no income limit to maintain the benefit.
• Beneficiaries who were already receiving the aid before the IMV came into effect.

What are the specific requirements?

• The minor must live with the beneficiary, although cohabitation is analyzed flexibly (they may spend periods away for studies or work).
• The child’s income may not exceed 100% of the interprofessional minimum wage on an annual basis.
• If the child receives their own contributory pension other than an orphan’s pension, they are not considered dependent.

Amounts and income limits according to the type of Child

What is the Income Limit for children without disabilities?

The limit is based on the interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) and varies according to the number of children and the condition of a large family. For example, in 2025 the maximum amounts were:

And for children with disabilities?

The limits for children with disabilities are different and the benefit is not limited by income. The annual amounts received are:

• 1,000 € for minor children with a disability equal to or greater than 33%.
• 5,805.60 € for adult children with a disability equal to or greater than 65%.
• 8,707.20 € for adult children with a disability equal to or greater than 75%.

How to apply and retain the benefit for Dependent Child

What steps should be followed?

1. Confirm that the child lives with the beneficiary, even if not permanently.
2. Check that the child’s annual income does not exceed the current interprofessional minimum wage.
3. Ensure they do not receive a contributory pension that prevents them from being considered dependent.
4. Submit the application or communicate changes to Social Security with the required documentation.
5. Keep updated information about the child’s employment and economic situation.

What documentation is required?

• Certificate of cohabitation or other proof that certifies shared residence.
• Declaration of the child’s annual income, including payslips or other proof.
• Documentation accrediting disability, if applicable.
• Report on pensions if the child receives any type of pension.

What mistakes should be avoided?

• Failing to report changes in the child’s income or employment situation may result in loss of the benefit.
• Confusing the income limit for those with and without disabilities.
• Forgetting to renew or update documentation when Social Security requires it.

Maintaining the benefit for dependent children when the minor works and earns less than the minimum wage can be a significant economic relief for many families. But it is necessary to be alert to limits and submit all documentation on time.

The last day to review and update the situation is key to not losing the right to the benefit. Social Security can terminate the aid if it detects that the child’s income exceeds the annual minimum wage or that the cohabitation conditions are not met.

The reality is that maintaining this economic support depends on continuous review and strict compliance with legal requirements to avoid unpleasant surprises. Beyond what might seem like a formality, this benefit represents vital support for many families with children in a situation of economic dependency.