In a significant policy shift, the Spanish government has tripled the maximum advance provided by the Food Payment Guarantee Fund (FGPA), increasing it from 100 to 300 euros per month for each recipient. This change follows the approval of the Royal Decree-Law 31/2026 during the Council of Ministers meeting on October 20, and was officially published in the State Gazette this Wednesday.
Originally established in 2007 with an initial funding of ten million euros, the FGPA had not seen an update in its limits for nearly twenty years.
One of the notable reforms is the removal of the previous 18-month cap on coverage. Now, the advance will continue as long as the child support obligation remains unpaid and valid, up until the child turns 18 or the obligation ends for other legal reasons.
Existing cases will be automatically reviewed, and the new maximum amount will take effect starting November 1, 2026, without requiring beneficiaries to submit a new application, according to the legislative dossier.
The income threshold for families has also been revised, now linked to the minimum wage: set at 1.75 times the minimum wage for one dependent child, twice for two children, and 2.25 times for three, increasing progressively.
Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, introduced this measure as part of a broader package of social reforms aimed at "strengthening family protection."
This mechanism does not absolve the defaulting parent of their debt. Instead, the State advances the funds to the custodial parent and reserves the right to reclaim them from the debtor.
The fund addresses situations arising from divorces, separations, annulments, and child support proceedings where a Spanish court order has established the obligation and verified non-payment.
This reform is particularly significant for Cuban families residing in Spain. According to the National Statistics Institute, as of October 2026, between 252,000 and 287,000 Cubans are registered in Spain, making them the ninth-largest foreign community, with major populations in Madrid, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands.
Cuban minors, who are nationals of a non-European Union state, can access the fund's benefits if they meet legal requirements, including proof of legal residency in Spain for the two years preceding the application, and ensuring that family income does not exceed set thresholds.
The decree also eases residency requirements for certain non-EU minors and includes some cohabiting minors whose paternity or maternity with the other parent is not determined.
As a royal decree-law, the Permanent Deputation of Congress must validate it within 30 days of its publication in the State Gazette.
Understanding Spain's Child Support Advance Reforms
What is the new monthly advance amount for unpaid child support in Spain?
The new monthly advance amount for unpaid child support in Spain has been increased to 300 euros per beneficiary.
Who introduced the reform for the FGPA in Spain?
The reform was introduced by Elma Saiz, the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
How does the reform impact Cuban residents in Spain?
Cuban minors residing legally in Spain can benefit from the fund if they meet specific legal requirements, such as residency and income thresholds.