Youth in Action is now Youth Income: requirements 2026

If you received a message saying you can now register for Jóvenes en Acción (Youth in Action), hold on a second. That program changed its name two years ago, and as of June 2026, registration is closed. We'll explain this clearly so you don't fall for a scam or waste your time on a process that no longer exists.

Direct answer: Youth in Action Youth Income It's the same program. It was transformed by Decree 1960 of 2023 and renamed Renta Joven (Youth Income) on January 1, 2024. Administered by Prosperidad Social (Social Prosperity), it's aimed at young people between 14 and 28 years old who are studying higher education or supplementary training and who are registered in the targeting databases (Sisbén, lists of indigenous peoples, or ICBF records). As of June 2026, according to Prosperidad Social, there are no open enrollments for new participants.

Last updated: June 2026.

Why is Jóvenes en Acción now called Renta Joven?

The change wasn't merely cosmetic. Decree 1960 of 2023 mandated the incorporation of Jóvenes en Acción (Youth in Action) into the country's Transfer System. Since January 1, 2024, the program has operated under the name Renta Joven (Youth Income). The underlying idea is that the financial support should not be limited to the classroom, but rather accompany young people until graduation and open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and postgraduate studies.

In other words: if you were familiar with Jóvenes en Acción, you're familiar with Renta Joven. It's the same money, the same organization, the same target population. The structure and the name have changed. There was also a transition period: participants who were active as of December 31, 2023, maintained their status at the training level they had at that time.

What are the requirements for Jóvenes en Acción Renta Joven in 2026?

According to the official website of Prosperidad Social, to be a participant in Renta Joven you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: between 14 and 28 years old.
• To be studying: Have a current enrollment in supplementary training or higher education (technical, technological, or undergraduate), including Higher Teacher Training Schools. This covers programs from SENA and public universities, among other institutions.
• Being at a targeting base, one of these three: current Sisbén classified as poor or vulnerable; census lists of indigenous population from the Ministry of the Interior; or lists from the ICBF of population with measures for the restoration of rights who are pursuing higher education or complementary training.
• Not having university or postgraduate professional degree.
• Not being actively enrolled in the Youth in Peace program at the time of application.

Pay attention to a detail that confuses many: being registered in the Sisbén system doesn't automatically enroll you. The Sisbén is one of the filters, not the entry button. If you want to understand how this group system works, check out our guide on the... Sisbén groups for subsidies.

How do you apply for Renta Joven?

The application process isn't a form you fill out whenever you feel like it. It works through open calls: Prosperidad Social opens a period, cross-references your data with their targeting database, and publishes the lists of accepted young people. There are no intermediaries. You don't have to pay anything. No one from the agency will ask you for money to "speed up" your application.

The only reliable channel is the official Prosperidad Social website and its helplines. When a call for applications opens, the step-by-step process, dates, and the portal where your information is validated will be announced there. Any other method is just smoke and mirrors.

When do the registrations for Renta Joven 2026 open?

Here's the part you most need to know. As of June 2026, there are no open registrations. Prosperidad Social reported that the focus is on young people who are already part of the program, and no new registrations for new participants have been announced.

There is no confirmed date for a reopening. It could happen later, depending on the budget and government decisions, but there is currently no active process for new participants. If someone tells you otherwise and pressures you, be suspicious.

Meanwhile, payments to active participants continue to be made in cycles throughout the year. This is different from opening new slots.

How do you recognize a fake website that imitates Renta Joven or SENA?

This is the most important warning we want to give you. When a program is shut down, scams skyrocket because they prey on the sense of urgency. Look for the warning signs:

• Fake domains. Typical pages senacertificados.co o jovenesen-accion.com.co They imitate SENA or the program. The official entity uses the domain. socialprosperity.gov.co (ends in .gov.coIf the address does not end in .gov.co, it is not the State.
• They ask you for money. Renta Joven does not charge for registration, "reserving a spot," or "unlocking payment." Any charge is a scam.
• They're rushing you. «"Last spots available today," "expires in one hour." The fear of losing your spot is the scammer's weapon.
• They ask for your information via WhatsApp or strange links. Passwords, bank code, photo of ID card via chat: no serious entity asks for that kind of thing.
• They promise registration when it's closed. If today they offer you the opportunity to register for Renta Joven, you already know that this is not possible at this time.

Simple rule: always verify with the official source before giving out any information. The same applies to... Citizen's Income requirements, another program that scammers also imitate.

What about Familias en Acción and the other programs?

Renta Joven (Youth Income) doesn't operate alone. It's part of the family of government transfer programs, along with Renta Ciudadana (Citizen Income), which took over from Familias en Acción (Families in Action). If your household has members of varying ages and circumstances, it's worth taking a look at the full picture in our guide. Families in Action and Citizen's Income, Because sometimes the right support for your home isn't the one you were looking for.

Each program has its own target population and its own timeline. Knowing them saves you time and protects you from those who try to sell you a service you're not eligible for.

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 does Hepacom support you?

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we work to provide access to decent housing for families in Itagüí and the southern Aburrá Valley. We know that a stable home begins with a clear understanding of the assistance programs your family is entitled to, without falling for scams. That's why we publish guides like this one: so that young students, or their families, don't miss out on real opportunities or waste money due to misinformation.

Renta Joven provides stability for students, and that stability is closely linked to decent housing: a young person who graduates and earns an income means a household that can be sustained. If your family is looking for guidance on subsidies, housing, or social programs, write to us. We don't charge for guidance and we don't process payments for any government programs. Find more guides like this in our [website/link]. blog.

Renta Joven in brief: who it is for and what it requires

Renta Joven (formerly Jóvenes en Acción) has conditions that may vary with each application period. This general summary helps you understand the program before applying; exact requirements are always confirmed through the official channels of Prosperidad Social.

Aspect	Who does it apply to?	What is usually ordered
Age	Young people within the range defined by the program	Be within the current age range of the call for applications
Socioeconomic situation	Households in vulnerable conditions	To be focused according to the current official instrument
Training	Those who study or are involved in education	Be enrolled or fulfill the required educational component
Documentation	All applicants	Valid identity document and updated information

This is a general overview for guidance only. Age ranges, targeting criteria, and requirements vary between calls for applications; please verify the exact conditions in the official source (Prosperidad Social and the program website).

Common mistakes when applying for Renta Joven

• Assuming that changing your name automatically enrolls you: Following the official process when the call for applications opens is still necessary.
• Apply through links received via message: Use only the official channels of the program and SENA.
• Leaving outdated data: An old phone or document can disqualify you from verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Jóvenes en Acción and Renta Joven the same thing?

Yes. It's the same Social Prosperity program. It changed its name by Decree 1960 of 2023 and has been called Renta Joven (Youth Income) since January 1, 2024.

Can I register for Renta Joven in 2026?

Not at this time. As of June 2026, Prosperidad Social reported that there are no open enrollments for new participants. Any openings will be announced through official channels.

What age do I need to be for Renta Joven (Youth Rental)?

Between 14 and 28 years old, in addition to studying higher education or complementary training and being in one of the targeting bases (Sisbén, indigenous lists or ICBF records).

Does Renta Joven charge a registration fee?

No. The process is free and is handled directly by the official agency. If someone charges you, it's a scam.

Does studying at SENA qualify you for the Youth Income program?

Yes. The program covers supplementary training and higher technical, technological and undergraduate education at various institutions, including SENA and public universities, provided you meet the other requirements.

How can I tell if a Renta Joven website is legitimate?

The official domain ends in .gov.co (prosperidadsocial.gov.co). Be wary of domains like senacertificados.co or jovenesen-accion.com.co, as well as any requests for payment or messages that pressure you.

Official sources: Check the information directly at Youth Income — Social Prosperity and in the official website of Social Prosperity.

Information guide. The procedure is handled by the official entity. Verify through the official channel. Hepacom does not charge or process payments.