The Local Government Board today approved, at the proposal of the Municipal Department of Social Policies, the collaboration agreement between the City Council and Kutxabank for the supply of these non-financial cards in 2026. This initiative has been in its current form for a decade, proving to be a crucial tool in supporting individuals and families with insufficient economic resources.
“"It is a non-monetary benefit so that people without sufficient economic resources can acquire, currently in Eroski supermarkets, basic food and hygiene products determined by the City Council, through a bank card that is charged monthly."
This financial aid is applicable to individuals residing in Vitoria-Gasteiz, following a technical assessment of their objectively verified circumstances of economic vulnerability. The benefit must be used solely for its approved purpose and is granted for a set period, with the possibility of renewal if the conditions of need persist and the recipient complies with their obligations and their Personalized Care Plan (PAP).
Prior to 2016, access to products was managed by presenting the Municipal Citizen Card at the point of purchase. However, that year the Social Policies Department opted to switch to a bank card, viewing it as a more normalizing and less stigmatizing payment method for users, given its common use among the general public.
Kutxabank was the only entity willing to supply the non-financial cards without compensation. In subsequent years, the agreement has been renewed, and today its extension for 2026 has been approved. The design of the nominative card is similar to other cards from the entity. Although it has a magnetic stripe for potential future developments, it currently contains no data.
The system of providing benefits via bank card began in 2016. Since then, a total of 3,823 cohabitation units, often single-person households, have benefited. In 2025, the total number of families registered at some point during the year reached 231, with a total expenditure of 262,843 euros. In the months of 2026 so far, 127 cohabitation units have utilized the card, with slightly more than half having children. Specifically in March, 88 units were beneficiaries, with an average of 272 euros per family per month. The amount of the benefit depends on the number of members in the cohabitation unit.
