What happened to Familias en Acción: now it's Renta Ciudadana
If you searched for "Families in Action" and couldn't find how to enroll, you're not doing anything wrong: the program changed its name. Since January 1, 2024, the cash transfers you knew as Familias en Acción have been managed within a program called Citizen's Income. The change was mandated by Decree 1960, signed on November 15, 2023. Millions of families are still typing the old name into Google, and that's why we want to explain, in plain English, what happened, whether you're still covered, and where to check it without paying anyone.
Last updated: June 2026. In this note, we summarize it as follows: Familias en Acción ceased to exist as a payment program. The cash component was integrated into the Transfer System from the State, and today those payments are distributed under the Citizen's Income program. Support for families (health, education, and guidance) remains a separate strategy. Let's take it one step at a time.

What really happened to Families in Action?
Decree 1960 of 2023 transformed two programs you knew by heart. Familias en Acción ceased to be a direct cash transfer program and became a "family and community support strategy" linked to the Transfer System. Jóvenes en Acción, meanwhile, was renamed Youth Income. The two transformations came into effect on January 1, 2024.
In simple terms: the name "Familias en Acción" no longer refers to a program where you enroll to receive money. That money is now called Renta Ciudadana (Citizen's Income). If you were expecting a "Familias en Acción" payment in 2026, what you need to check is your status with Renta Ciudadana. The label has changed, not necessarily your need.
Does Familias en Acción Renta Ciudadana mean I automatically passed?
We need to be honest with you here, because this is the question that causes the most anxiety. The transfer It's not fully automatic.. Decree 1960 states that households participating in the support strategy "may access" the Citizen's Income program if they meet the targeting criteria defined by Social Prosperity. The key word is "may," not "they automatically qualify.".
What does this mean in practice? Being on the old Familias en Acción database helps, but it doesn't guarantee you'll receive the payment. Renta Ciudadana prioritizes extreme poverty, poverty, and vulnerability, and relies heavily on your Sisbén IV classification. If your Sisbén is outdated or your household wasn't prioritized in the active program, you might not receive anything even if you've "always been on the Familias en Acción list." That's why we insist: verify, don't assume.
What lines does Citizen's Income have today?
According to the official website of Prosperidad Social, Renta Ciudadana currently operates with two lines of intervention:
- Care Assessment: aimed at households with a higher care burden, giving priority to families with young children, children and adolescents, and households where there are people with disabilities who require permanent support.
- Colombia without Hunger: focused on households in conditions of extreme poverty and greater food vulnerability.
According to the same website, the target population consists of households living in extreme poverty, poverty, and socioeconomic vulnerability, with priority given to people with disabilities, young children, and children and adolescents. The program began in 2024 with an implementation that the organization describes as "gradual and progressive": not everyone is included at the same time, which explains why one neighbor receives assistance while another does not.
Regarding exact amounts and payment schedules for 2026: these vary by cycle and by line, and any new information circulating on social media is often outdated. We don't want to give you a figure that will be outdated tomorrow. The best course of action is to confirm the amount and date directly through the official channel, which we've linked below.
Where can I check if I'm enrolled in the Citizen's Income program?
This is the part we want you to get right, because there are many scams surrounding subsidies. Only consult official government channels.
- The Citizen's Income portal of Social Prosperity: rentaciudadana.prosperidadsocial.gov.co, where you can check using your ID number.
- The program's official website: socialprosperity.gov.co, with the official description of lines and population.
Three rules we ask you not to let go of: the consultation is free, No one from the government will ask you for money to "register you faster," and no official will ask for your password via WhatsApp. If someone charges you or pressures you, it's a scam. Keep your Sisbén IV information up to date, because that's where a significant portion of the targeted assistance comes from.
Why was I rejected if I used to receive payments?
We get asked this a lot, and the answer usually lies in the targeting system. Citizen's Income doesn't cover everyone who was in Families in Action: it prioritizes by program (Care Assessment or Colombia Without Hunger) and by poverty level in the Sisbén system. If your household's classification improved, if there was a change in its composition, or if the active program doesn't include your case, you could be left out even if the need remains.
If this happened to you, it's not the end of the road. In our article about Why was your grant application rejected? We explain the most frequent causes and how to check your Sisbén. And if you're looking to fully understand who qualifies, check out the Citizen's Income requirements Take your time before doing any paperwork.
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 in this?
In the Facts for the Community Foundation (Hepacom) We work for decent housing, and we know that a subsidy, whether it arrives or falls through, completely changes a household's budget. We don't provide the Citizen's Income program, nor do we decide who receives it (that's handled by Social Prosperity), but we do help you understand your situation, read your details clearly, and prioritize when money isn't enough for rent or mortgage payments.
A government transfer is a monthly relief; decent housing is the solid foundation upon which that relief pays off. That's why, while you check your status with the Citizen's Income program, we invite you to explore with us the paths to owning or securing your own home. You can find more guides like this in our [website/section/etc.]. blog, and you can learn about everything we do at the foundation page.
From Families in Action to Citizen's Income: what changed
The transition from Familias en Acción to Renta Ciudadana raises many questions about who stays, who gets in, and what to do. This table summarizes the key points in general; confirm your specific situation with the official source (Prosperidad Social).
| Issue | What changed in general terms |
|---|---|
| Program name | Familias en Acción was integrated into the Citizen's Income scheme. |
| Continuity | Being previously enrolled in Familias en Acción does not in itself guarantee automatic transfer. |
| Program lines | Citizen's Income operates by lines according to the household profile. |
| Verification | Each household should check its status on official channels. |
General summary for guidance only. Transition rules, guidelines, and criteria may vary; please verify your specific situation with the official source (Social Prosperity).
Common mistakes in the transition
- Assuming automatic pass: It's advisable to verify your status instead of taking it for granted.
- Interpreting a rejection as final without reviewing the reason: It is often related to data or focus.
- Trusting managers who promise to "reactivate" you for a payment: The official process cannot be bought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Families in Action program completely over?
As a payment program, yes. Since January 1, 2024, it has ceased to be a direct transfer and has become a support strategy; the money is now delivered under Citizen Income, according to Decree 1960 of 2023.
Do I have to register again?
There is no automatic universal "re-registration." The decree states that households "may access" the Citizen's Income program if they meet the criteria established by Prosperidad Social (Social Prosperity). The safest way to check your status is to use your national ID number on the official website.
How much do they pay and when in 2026?
The amount and schedule vary by program and cycle. Don't rely on figures from social media: confirm the exact amount and date at rentaciudadana.prosperidadsocial.gov.co.
Is there a cost for the consultation?
No. Checking and, if applicable, receiving Citizen's Income is free. No one authorized will charge you to register or ask for your password via WhatsApp or phone.
What happened to Youth in Action?
Decree 1960 of 2023 transformed it into Renta Joven, also from January 1, 2024.
Last updated: June 2026. This guide is for informational and community guidance purposes. Hepacom does not administer or allocate Citizen's Income; the requirements, amounts, and schedules are defined by Prosperidad Social and are subject to change. Always verify your case through official channels before making any decisions.
Keep reading — more about State subsidies and aid
Registration for Renta Joven July 2026: dates, requirements and how to apply
Youth Rental Program registrations July 2026: what requirements are needed, how to apply on the official portal and when the application periods open.
Read more →Which Sisbén groups receive Citizen Income (and which do not)
Which Sisbén groups receive Citizen Income: Groups A and B of Sisbén IV receive it. See which line corresponds to each group and…
Read more →Housing subsidy from compensation fund: amounts compared
How much does each fund offer? We compare the housing subsidy amounts from different compensation funds (Compensar, Colsubsidio, Comfama…
Read more →Does the government offer free housing? Myth and reality 2026
Does the government offer free housing subsidies? We separate the myth from real state aid and show you how to avoid falling for it…
Read more →Your donation builds the next home
If this story touched you, turn it into a roof for a Colombian family.
Donate now ♥