Determinants of IMV take-up among homeless people in Spain

Only 7% of homeless people who are entitled to receive Minimum Living Income (IMV) do so. Analysis of take-up using logistic regression shows that the amount of the benefit does not act as an incentive to apply: the greater the need, the lower the number of applications. Other factors that reduce the likelihood of applying for the IMV are sleeping on the streets or having been homeless for a longer period, which suggests that the costs of uprooting associated with belonging to this group may outweigh the potential benefits of receiving the IMV, preventing applications and creating a vicious circle of despair. The consideration of variables that measure the desire to improve one's situation indicates that there are also virtuous circles: those who are looking for work or have access to a flat are more likely to apply. Support and the dissemination of information by social workers—not only about requirements, but also about the benefits linked to the IMV—could encourage applications among homeless people. Another solution lies in the automatic collection of the IMV through a negative income tax, which requires the public administration to share its information resources and the generalisation of income tax without a lower income limit. The expansion, unification and dissemination of information to the research community would also generate advantages in the study of homelessness and the possibilities for proposing solutions.