Latest news and stories about social security in daily life in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Portuguese government has set the new Single Social Benefit (PSU) at 268.6 euros, an 8.5% increase over the previous RSI, though the party Livre criticizes the amount as insufficient to address poverty or replace existing unemployment benefits effectively.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has promulgated the legislative authorization for the government to create the Single Social Benefit (PSU), a measure designed to consolidate 13 existing social benefits to secure 600 million euros in Recovery and Resilience Plan funding.
Millions of pensioners are set to receive a significant income boost this month as July pension payments and holiday allowances are issued simultaneously, though schedules vary by social security system.
The Portuguese government has announced a strategic adjustment to the national retirement age, citing long-term sustainability concerns for the social security system.
President António José Seguro has enacted a decree providing 100% salary coverage for workers under a simplified lay-off scheme in regions impacted by Storm Kristin, following parliamentary approval.
The Portuguese-Venezuelan community in Caracas has urged Secretary of State Emídio Sousa to increase Portugal's support for vulnerable citizens living in Venezuela.
The 'Solidarity Gas Cylinder' programme, originally launched in 2022 to offset rising energy costs caused by the war in Ukraine, has been officially relaunched to provide continued financial support for families.
Former Prime Minister Passos Coelho expressed skepticism about returning to politics, stating it would only occur if the PSD party fails. He discussed the need for reforms in Social Security and public administration, emphasizing the importance of addressing demographic challenges and inefficiencies in the state and education systems. Coelho remains open to the possibility of a political comeback but insists he is not currently preparing for any candidacy.
An IGF audit of the Institute of Financial Management’s property portfolio finds that Social Security is holding 854 empty homes while Portugal faces an unprecedented housing crisis. The report criticises inefficient asset management, poor utilisation and weak oversight of the Social Security housing stock, creating lost opportunities to relieve market pressure. The findings point to a need for clearer inventory, faster reallocation or disposal procedures, and greater transparency and coordination between agencies to convert idle public housing into usable supply.
Presidential candidate André Ventura urged rival António José Seguro in Caldas da Rainha to say explicitly whether he supports amending the Constitution to end the duplication of lifelong pensions awarded to former public officeholders (citing examples such as Armando Vara). Speaking at a street rally attended by more than 100 supporters, Ventura framed the issue as a clear policy choice with constitutional and social-security implications and pressed Seguro to clarify his position ahead of the election.
New data from Portugal's Survey on Living Conditions and Income show one region has the country's highest incidence of monetary poverty, with 17.9% of residents living below the poverty threshold. Analysts and local actors attribute the rise to a combination of state neglect, insufficient social-protection measures, the growth of precarious immigration and unstable work, and wider cost-of-living pressures — factors that together depress incomes and worsen social indicators. The figures point to a need for targeted regional policies on social security, employment quality and integration to reverse the trend.
The Socialist Party (PS) will submit a bill titled “Coming Home” to Parliament proposing the creation of transitional residences aimed at reducing social institutionalisation. The policy seeks to shift care from large institutions to local, secure accommodation that supports reintegration, bridging healthcare and housing needs. Analytically, the measure could advance deinstitutionalisation and community-based care, but its success will depend on funding, local delivery capacity, regulatory safeguards and clear pathways to permanent housing.
This analytical piece urges readers to adopt an optimistic stance for the new year and to move past complaints about the recent increase in the retirement age. It explains that demographic shifts and the strain on social security systems underpin the policy change, outlines labour and legal implications for workers — including expatriates — and argues that better communication, phased implementation, retraining and age-friendly workplace measures would protect wellbeing while ensuring fiscal sustainability.
A family providing foster care for two children has been ordered by Social Security to repay more than €5,500 after losing their parental allowance. The parents call the demand an injustice and cite contradictory information and a lack of support from official services. The case highlights administrative confusion around parental-benefit eligibility, potential gaps in guidance for foster and expat families, and wider questions about transparency and appeals in welfare policy.
As it was presented, the Single Social Benefit moves away from the purpose that gave rise to it. Instead of reducing poverty, it will end up worsening it.
Today, being elderly in Portugal, especially without full autonomy, is far from an easy task.
The warehouse played an “absolutely extraordinary role” in responding to the needs of the population, stated the Leiria councillor. The closure is due to logistical and human resources issues, as well as a reduction in demand.
The war in the Middle East and the subsequent rise in food prices have worsened the situation for many families.
Portugal is the fastest-ageing country in Europe and there is a shortage of places in care homes, with waiting lists that can reach up to three years. On Expresso da Manhã, Paulo Baldaia speaks with Society editor Rita Ferreira.
A study from Iscte identified an absence of local indicators for poverty and social exclusion in municipalities, which hinders the rigorous implementation and evaluation of measures.
Technical and financial disparities between local authorities may compromise equality in access to social support, which was decentralised in 2023. Municipalities are advised to create local poverty indicators.
Last year, 11.4 million euros in prizes from Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML) social games went unclaimed, according to the institution's management and accounts report released this Thursday. The report highlights that SCML achieved its best operating result in 17 years, with 43.6 million euros in profit, while contributing 870 million euros to the State. Gross sales reached 3.143 billion euros, with 1.944 billion paid out in prizes. The 'expired prizes' category refers to winnings left unclaimed for three months. While some games like Placard and Eurodreams saw sales declines, digital gaming reached a record 137 million euros. The institution also reported significant growth in social support services, including childcare, elderly care, and health services, alongside 23 million euros in financial aid.
About 40% of people aged 65 or over in the European Union considered their health to be very good or good two years ago.
Four years later, the Government's offer continues to be of no interest to the vast majority of consumers who are eligible for it.
The Legião da Boa Vontade is receiving more requests for help. This Easter, the institution is supporting 500 families.
Lisbon City Council will provide 261,187 euros in financial support to the O Companheiro association for a programme integrating inmates in open prison regimes and former inmates into urban cleaning and green space maintenance tasks. This measure is part of a 4.3 million euro social support package to be approved by Carlos Moedas' executive, which also includes funding for school transport, support for homeless shelters, addiction recovery centres, refugee integration, and administrative support for child protection commissions.
Until now, Tapada das Mercês in Sintra did not have a social kitchen. Now inaugurated, it is expected to open in April and address a waiting list in the parish of Algueirão-Mem Martins.
I do not accept that ageing in Portugal has to be a choice between loneliness at home, or depersonalisation in a hospital corridor or a room in a residential care home.
The executive acknowledges a significant delay in the arrival of support for the affected populations.
Candidates only need to be beneficiaries of the social electricity tariff.
