Foreigners Represent Under 4% of Social Inclusion Income Claimants

Monday, 26 October 2026AI summary
Foreigners Represent Under 4% of Social Inclusion Income Claimants
Photo: RTP Notícias

Foreign citizens account for less than 4 percent of all people receiving the Social Inclusion Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção or RSI), according to government figures presented to parliament. Speaking during budget hearings on Monday, Secretary of State for Social Security Filipa Lima reported that 96 out of every 100 recipients are Portuguese nationals. Lima rejected claims that foreign residents place a heavy financial burden on the state's welfare system.

Context & Explainers

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.