Single Social Benefit reference value set at 268.6 euros
The government has set the reference value for the new Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) at 268.6 euros, which corresponds to 50% of the Social Support Index (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais or IAS). Minister of Labour Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho announced the measure, which aims to unify 13 different social benefits into one system starting in January. While the government guarantees an overall increase in support, it acknowledges that specific individual cases may see a decrease in benefits.
The IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais) is the Social Support Index, a reference value used by the Portuguese government to calculate social benefits, pensions, and fines. It is adjusted annually based on economic growth and inflation to ensure social support payments remain aligned with the cost of living.
The PSU (Prestação Social Única) is a proposed single social benefit designed to consolidate various existing welfare payments into one streamlined system. The goal of this reform is to simplify access to support, reduce administrative complexity, and improve work incentives for low-income households.
