Today : Apr 19, 2025
U.S. News
17 April 2025

Bogotá Launches Fourth Cycle Of Ingreso Mínimo Garantizado Payments

Over 210,000 households in extreme poverty to benefit from new financial support program

On April 16, 2025, the city of Bogotá kicked off the fourth cycle of payments for the Ingreso Mínimo Garantizado (IMG), a vital initiative designed to combat extreme poverty and social exclusion. This cycle is set to benefit more than 210,000 households grappling with extreme vulnerability, a significant stride towards alleviating poverty in the capital.

According to the Secretaría de Integración Social, over 88,000 individuals will receive financial assistance in this cycle, which includes people with disabilities, older adults, young people, and members of the Emberá community who have returned to their territories. This comprehensive approach aims to address the diverse needs of various population groups within the city.

Notably, the IMG payments will not only support those in traditional housing but also extend to households residing in 'pagadiarios'—a term referring to daily rental accommodations that often represent precarious living situations. This inclusion highlights the program's commitment to reaching the most marginalized communities.

The investment for the month of April exceeds 52,000 million pesos, bringing the total investment for 2025 to over 197,000 million pesos under the leadership of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán. Such financial backing underscores the city's dedication to enhancing social welfare and economic stability.

Payments will be distributed through digital wallets such as DaviPlata, Nequi, MOVii, and Dale. For those lacking access to these digital platforms, funds will be provided via giro, a method requiring recipients to be vigilant about confirmation messages and to visit authorized locations for cash withdrawals.

The distribution of funds for this cycle has been meticulously structured to maximize impact. Households in extreme poverty will collectively receive a total of 21,036 million pesos, benefiting 49,234 households. Moreover, early childhood initiatives will see an allocation of 4,782 million pesos, reaching 71,225 children. In the education sector, 148,106 individuals will benefit from a total of 12,560 million pesos, further emphasizing the program's focus on supporting the next generation.

Additionally, 9.1 million pesos will be allocated to support transportation for residents of Sumapaz, a locality that often faces logistical challenges. This targeted assistance illustrates the program's adaptability to the unique needs of different neighborhoods.

Specific allocations have also been made for vulnerable groups within the population. For instance, 2,784 young people will receive a total of 836 million pesos, while older adults will benefit from 10,776 million pesos distributed among 71,857 individuals. Furthermore, 13,282 people with disabilities will receive 2,523 million pesos, and 13 Emberá community members will be allocated 9.8 million pesos.

In terms of support for those living in 'pagadiarios', 1,283 households in extreme poverty will receive 314 million pesos. This initiative aims to provide a minimum level of welfare for individuals facing the harshest living conditions. Additionally, 21.6 million pesos will be earmarked for early childhood, and 27.1 million pesos for education, totaling 363 million pesos for families in 'pagadiarios'. Older adults in these precarious living situations will receive 39.7 million pesos, benefiting 265 people.

One of the program's standout features is its commitment to progressive and segmented assistance, reflecting a broader strategy to ensure equitable distribution of resources. The IMG has been redesigned to enhance public spending quality, maximizing its impact on the beneficiary population. Under the strategy "Mejores Transferencias, Más Bien-Estar," the program seeks to solidify its role as a comprehensive tool in the fight against poverty and social exclusion in Bogotá.

Authorities have indicated that the specific dates for transfers to individuals with disabilities and young people will be announced soon, ensuring that all eligible recipients are accounted for and receive the necessary support.

As Bogotá continues to navigate the challenges of poverty and social inequality, the Ingreso Mínimo Garantizado stands as a beacon of hope for many residents, providing essential financial support and fostering a more inclusive city. The ongoing commitment by the local government to invest in its most vulnerable populations reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive social safety nets in urban environments.

This fourth cycle of IMG payments not only represents a financial lifeline for thousands but also embodies a strategic approach to social welfare that prioritizes the most disadvantaged. By addressing the unique needs of various groups, the program aims to create a more equitable society, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better quality of life.