THE deadline to apply for the cultural voucher scheme for 18-year-olds has been extended until 31 October. Great news for anyone who thought they had missed the boat.
The vouchers of €400 are available to anyone who was born in 2004 and holds Spanish nationality or residence.
The scheme began in July and the deadline had previously been set for 15 October, but because of the huge number of complaints received from youngsters trying to apply, the government has extended it by a further fortnight. The main problems have been around trying to obtain a digital certificate via the link https://www.sede.fnmt.gob.es/certificados or through the cl@ve system.
Even the minister for Culture, Miquel Iceta, admitted that the process “Isn’t simple”, given that it s a personalised subsidy.
Following the complaints, the website Bonoculturajoven.gob.es now also gives an option to apply via the 2,389 post offices across the country.
Youngsters need to request a digital certificate, and then they can apply for a card, either a physical card or a digital version. Finally, with this card they can buy cultural products to a total value of 400 euros.
The 400 euros are divided in the following way:
- 100 euros on physical products, for example books, newspapers, CDs
- 100 euros on digital products like online news subscriptions, podcasts, online videogames and audio-visual content.
- 200 euros for the arts, such as the theatre, opera, cinema, dance and museums.
The vouchers, which cannot be used for bull-related activities, are available to those who turn 18 between 1 January and 31 December 2022, and even those who have yet to turn 18 need to apply before 31 October.
According to reports in La Vanguardia newspaper, the scheme will cost around 210 million euros and is aimed at some 500,000 youngsters.
Only a very cynical person would think the government is trying to win over youngsters who will be eligible to vote for the first time in next year’s elections.
The Valencia Report 