The current inflationary wave is having devastating consequences on hundreds of domestic economies, as runaway prices subtract important incomes, and even become involved in heavy debt. This can have serious consequences for your standard of living. Therefore, it is important to take into account that there is a series of public aid (Social Electricity Bonus, Social Thermal Bonus...) to cushion some of these situations before they become much more dramatic. If you want to access them, you have to see whether or not it falls under the notion of 'vulnerable consumer'.
From the Federation of Consumers and Users CECU they have warned that there is no specific profile of 'vulnerable consumer'. That is to say, "there are no 'common' requirements to enter this category or not", but they do agree in pointing to the level of income and "other vulnerability factors". To which it should be added that the aid that can be accessed also has particular criteria. In addition, there are various degrees of vulnerability depending on the seriousness of your situation: vulnerable consumer, severely vulnerable and at risk of social exclusion.
Am I a 'vulnerable consumer'?
In CECU they remember that it is Law 4/2022, of February 25, on the Protection of consumers and users in situations of social and economic vulnerability where the notion of 'vulnerable consumer person' was defined for the first time with respect to relationships concrete consumption. The regulation considered that its natural persons who, either individually or collectively, due to their characteristics, needs or personal, economic, educational or social circumstances, are "even if territorial, sectoral or temporary, in a special situation of subordination, defenselessness or lack of protection that prevents them from exercising their rights as consumers under conditions of equality”.
As one of the references, to see whether or not one enters into the notion of 'vulnerable consumer', there is the Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income (IPREM) that is published every year, through the General Budget Law of the State (PGE). In 2023, the monthly IPREM is 600 euros, while at 12 payments (annual) it is 7.200 euros and at 14 payments (annual) 8.400 euros.
In this regard, from the Basque Consumer Institute they ask to take into account the following "income limits". For a single person, equal to or less than 900 euros per month (12.000 euros per year), which is equivalent to IPREM x 1,5. In the case of having a partner, it would be equal to or less than 1.080 euros per month (15.120 euros per year), which is equal to the IPREM x 1,8. In the case of a couple with a minor equal to or less than 1.380 euros per month (19.320 euros per year), which is actually the IPREM x 2.3 and if we are talking about a couple with two minors, this will be equal to or less than 1.680 euros per month (23.520 euros per year), which is equal to the IPREM x 2,8. In the case of large families and pensioners, the conditions are more favorable.
Why can it be important?
When applying for aid such as the 'Social Bonus', the 'Social Energy Justice Bonus' and the 'Thermal Bonus', it is essential to recognize the notion of 'vulnerable consumer' in order to access discounts on the electricity bill of between 25 and 65 % in the first case there is aid depending on the climatic zone (which can vary from 35 to 373,1 euros) and degree of vulnerability that can increase by 60% for consumers considered severely vulnerable or at risk of social exclusion.
But most importantly, until December 31, 2023, it protects you against water, gas or electricity supply cuts due to non-payment.
