Government approves new Single Social Benefit

Friday, 29 May 2026AI summary

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Government approves new Single Social Benefit — Photo: Diário de Notícias

The government has approved the creation of a Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) to consolidate 13 existing support schemes, including the Social Insertion Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção or RSI). The new policy requires working-age recipients to perform up to 15 hours of community work per week, with non-compliance resulting in the loss of benefits. Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho noted that the measure originated from a proposal by the previous socialist administration, while several left-wing parties have criticized the mandatory social work requirement.

Context & Explainers

Pedro Passos Coelho is a former Prime Minister of Portugal (2011–2015) and former leader of the centre-right PSD (Partido Social Democrata). His government steered Portugal through the 2011–2014 international bailout and its austerity programme. He remains an influential voice on the right, and his comments on alliances and leadership are closely watched by PSD voters.

The Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI or Social Insertion Income) is a social support program designed to provide financial aid to households in extreme poverty while promoting their integration into the labor market. It consists of a monthly cash payment combined with a personalized plan that requires beneficiaries to actively seek employment or participate in training programs.