Which Sisbén group do you need for each subsidy in Colombia?

Many people write to us asking what Sisbén "score" they need for a subsidy, and the truth is that Sisbén no longer works that way. Today, what matters are the Sisbén groups for subsidiesThe Sisbén IV system classifies your household into a group (A, B, C, or D) with subgroups, and each government program requires a different group. To get straight to the point: for most cash transfers, you need to be in group A or B; for housing through the Mi Casa Ya program, the range goes up to D20. Below, we explain this with a table for each program, and we tell you what is confirmed by official sources and what isn't.

Last updated: June 2026.

Does the Sisbén still use a score from 0 to 100?

No. That's the most common misconception. The Sisbén III system did provide a number from 0 to 100, and many families still think of that system. The Sisbén IV system eliminated it. According to the official website of Sisbén (sisben.gov.co), "There will no longer be a score from 0 to 100, but a new classification that orders the population by groups.".

Your household is now placed in one of four groups, based on its ability to generate income:

• Group A: Extreme poverty. It has 5 subgroups, from A1 to A5.
• Group B: Moderate poverty. It has 7 subgroups, from B1 to B7.
• Group C: Vulnerable, at risk of falling into poverty. It has 18 subgroups, from C1 to C18.
• Group D: Neither poor nor vulnerable. It has 21 subgroups, from D1 to D21.

The subgroup number refines the classification. The official website itself illustrates this with a clear example: a person at level A1 has less earning capacity and a lower quality of life than someone at A5. In other words, A1 is lower than A5. That's all that changes. Knowing this saves you from searching for a "score" that no longer exists.

Which Sisbén groups does each program require for subsidies?

This is the master table. We compiled it by cross-referencing the requirements of each program with its official source. When the entity doesn't publish the exact subgroup, we tell you directly instead of making it up.

Program	Sisbén group that is required	Entity and source
Citizen's Income	Priority is given to group A (extreme poverty). Group B (moderate poverty) is included with more specific targeting. Group C, in general, is not a direct beneficiary.	Social Prosperity
Greater Colombia	Classification into groups A, B or up to subgroup C1.	Social Prosperity
My House Now	Classification between A1 and D20 (it is the only one on the list that reaches group D). The amount varies depending on the group.	Ministry of Housing
VAT refund	No registration is required. Priority is given to group A (A1 to A5) and group B (with emphasis on B1 to B4). Access depends solely on ranking.	Social Prosperity
Youth Income (formerly Youth in Action)	Current Sisbén registration with classification in extreme poverty, poverty or vulnerability, i.e. groups A, B and C. The official page does not publish the exact upper subgroup.	Social Prosperity

An honest warning about this table: Being in the correct group makes you eligible, but it doesn't guarantee you'll receive the payment. Targeting also depends on household composition, available funds, and the prioritization of each entity. Therefore, before taking anything for granted, verify your case on the program's official channel.

Why does each program request a different group?

Because each subsidy addresses a different problem. Citizen's Income and VAT Refund target the poorest families, so they remain within socioeconomic groups A and B. Colombia Mayor extends slightly up to group C1 because it serves senior citizens without pensions, who may be vulnerable but not necessarily living in extreme poverty. Mi Casa Ya is a special case: as it's a subsidy for the down payment on a home, it broadens the range up to D20 so that middle-class households, who aren't poor but also can't save the full down payment, can also access it.

If you're interested in better understanding how to read your rating, we explain it step by step in our guide on the Sisbén score.

How do I check my Sisbén group?

It's free and you do it yourself. Go to sisben.gov.co, Look for the "Check your group" option, and enter your document type and number. Your group and subgroup will then appear, and you can download the certificate.

If you don't appear in the system, or if your household has changed (someone was born, moved, or died), you need to request the survey or update at the Sisbén office in your municipality. This process is also free. No one should charge you for registering or for moving you to a higher group.

What happens if I was rejected for a subsidy even though I'm in the correct group?

It happens more often than you think. Having the group isn't the only factor. Sometimes the Sisbén (a Colombian social welfare program) is outdated, sometimes the household has stopped fulfilling a co-responsibility (such as health checkups or school attendance in the Citizen's Income program), and sometimes there simply wasn't enough space in that cycle. We've compiled the most common reasons and how to check them in [link/section/etc.]. Why was my grant application rejected?. And if you're specifically interested in Citizen's Income, take a look at the Citizen's Income requirements retail.

How to check and verify your Sisbén group, step by step

Knowing which group each program requires is of little use if you're not sure which one you belong to and how to confirm it. This guide summarizes the steps to safely check your Sisbén group and what to do if the result doesn't match what you expected. These are general steps: the definitive information is always provided by the official website.

Passed	To do
1. Go to the official website	Only access the official Sisbén portal; avoid third-party links that promise "fast" consultations.
2. Check by ID number	Enter your document in the group query option to see your current classification.
3. Note the group and subgroup	Register the exact group and subgroup: this is what the programs compare.
4. Compare with the program	Check with the subsidy provider to see what group they require and if your classification fits.
5. Request an update if it doesn't fit	If you believe your circumstances have changed, request a re-survey at your local council office or official channel.

These are guidelines. Your actual group and the requirements of each program can be verified on the Sisbén portal (sisben.gov.co) and with the corresponding entity.

Common mistakes when checking the Sisbén group

• Confusing group with score: The Sisbén IV uses groups and subgroups, not a number; looking for a score confuses the query.
• Using unofficial websites: Fake websites ask for personal data or payments; only consult the official Sisbén website.
• Assuming the group allocates the subsidy: The group enables, but each program has quotas and additional requirements that must also be met.

Frequently asked questions

Which Sisbén group is best suited to receive subsidies?

Group A opens the door to more programs because it corresponds to extreme poverty, and almost all transfers prioritize it. But "better" depends on your needs: for housing, households in groups C or D also have access to Mi Casa Ya. You don't choose your group; it's assigned based on your household's actual circumstances.

Does group C of the Sisbén receive subsidies?

Yes, some. Group C can access Mi Casa Ya and Renta Joven (vulnerability classification), and up to subgroup C1 can access Colombia Mayor. However, Group C is generally not a direct beneficiary of Renta Ciudadana and VAT Refund. Check the specific program on its official channel.

How many groups and subgroups does the Sisbén IV have?

Four groups: A, B, C and D. And 51 subgroups in total, distributed as follows: A1 to A5, B1 to B7, C1 to C18, and D1 to D21.

Does having a Sisbén group guarantee me payment?

No. The group makes you eligible, but the payment depends on the targeting, quota, and prioritization of each entity, as well as keeping your Sisbén information up to date. That's why it's best to consult directly with socialprosperity.gov.co or on the page of the program that interests you.

This is an informational guide. The official entity handles the process and makes the final decision. Always verify through official channels. Hepacom does not charge for registration or process payments.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to state aid and subsidies in Colombia, where we organize all the programs in one place.

How Hepacom accompanies you

We are the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, an organization that supports vulnerable families on their path to decent housing. We don't process subsidies or replace the government. What we do is guide you: help you understand which Sisbén group you fall into, what programs you could apply for, and where to complete each official procedure without overpaying. Access to decent housing is a right, not a favor, and understanding how the system works is crucial. Sisbén groups for subsidies It is a concrete first step on that path.

If you would like us to guide you, please write to us from our contact page. And if this purpose inspires you, you can join as a volunteer or learn more about our work. mission and the rest of the guides in the blog.