Poverty news in Portugal

There is a region of Portugal where poverty keeps rising — blamed on the State's 'lack of attention' and the growth of 'precarious immigration'

Guest - Portugal: The most vulnerable live “in overcrowding, shacks, tents, annexes, garages”

An analysis of the housing crisis in Portugal, highlighting the precarious living conditions faced by the most vulnerable populations.

RFI30 Oct

There are 322,000 children at risk of poverty or social exclusion

More than three thousand were in a situation of homelessness in 2024.

Bodies of 15 babies left unclaimed in Lisbon

Fifteen babies were among 206 people whose bodies went unclaimed by relatives or friends in Lisbon over the past year, according to a charitable brotherhood that arranges funerals for those The post Bodies of 15 babies left unclaimed in Lisbon appeared first on Portugal Resident.

EAPN Portugal: Talking about poverty is unfinished business

The European Anti-Poverty Network in Portugal states that discussions surrounding poverty remain incomplete.

reconquista.pt21 Oct

Almost two million people at risk of poverty in Portugal, despite being employed

Report indicates that a significant portion of the Portuguese population faces poverty risks even with active employment.

Seguro argues that “no one should live” without housing and calls for a commitment against exclusion

The President marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty with a statement posted on the Presidency's website. The number of people at risk of poverty must continue to “challenge us”, he warned.

Seguro argues that "poverty cannot be seen as inevitable"

The President of the Republic highlighted this Saturday, 16 October, that poverty is not just an economic condition and that no one should live without the means to satisfy their essential needs, such as work, health, education, and housing. On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, during which several protests against the rising cost of living are taking place, António José Seguro argues that poverty “is also a limitation on the freedom, dignity, and opportunities of every person.” In a message shared on the Presidency's website, Seguro cites the latest statistics to state that although the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion has fallen below two million for the first time since 2015, approximately 1.66 million people in our country remain at risk of poverty. “These numbers must continue to challenge us,” he argues. “More than just numbers, we are talking about people,” he adds. “Of children who have not yet had the opportunity to choose what they want to be. Of young people who cannot plan their future. Of the elderly who contributed all their lives and deserve to live their longevity with dignity. Of people who work and yet still live in poverty,” he lists. The President of the Republic reminds us that “in a democratic society, no one should live without the conditions to satisfy their essential needs, without access to housing, health, education, or decent work.” And he states: “Poverty cannot be seen as inevitable.” Therefore, he calls for a commitment from everyone so that no one is left excluded.

Escaping poverty remains difficult in Portugal

The elderly are among those most affected by poverty levels in the country.

TVI15 Oct

Half of poor adults are employed. Housing increases deprivation

According to the report from EAPN Portugal - European Anti-Poverty Network, nearly half of poor adults are in the labour market. The population at risk has fallen to under two million, but persistent poverty has increased.

More than 60% of people in poverty were in persistent poverty in 2025

More than 60% of individuals living in poverty in Portugal were affected by persistent poverty in 2025, according to the study 'Poverty and Deprivation Trajectories' by NOVA SBE. The research, which analysed data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) between 2022 and 2025, defines persistent poverty as living in poverty for at least two of the three preceding years. While the rate of persistent poverty among children has halved over the last decade, overall persistent poverty rates rose to 9.5% in 2025, with the profile of those affected shifting towards the elderly population aged 65 and over.

Persistent poverty affected 61.7% of people in poverty in Portugal in 2025

Data indicates that the majority of those living in poverty in Portugal in 2025 were experiencing long-term or persistent poverty.

SAPO14 Oct

The misery that Volta shows

Society reveals the state of poverty and vulnerability of its population.

“We were already here”: how the Volta exposed the country's invisible poverty

Mayors speak of a “social drama” and call for the end of the programme. Researchers see the reflection of an unequal and polarised society. How many turns does a life take when it relies on ten-cent bottles?

PÚBLICO report on shanty towns in Greater Lisbon awarded once again

The work won second prize from the European Anti-Poverty Network. Diário de Notícias, Expresso, and Diário de Coimbra are other awarded media outlets.

BE accuses Montenegro of being the 'father of poverty'

'He is being stubbornly faithful to his liberal ideology and is, therefore, not meeting the needs of the people,' criticised José Manuel Pureza.

Low wages are the main cause of precariousness in Portugal

Low income is the main cause of the precarious living conditions experienced by three out of every four Portuguese people.

PCP, Left Bloc and Livre to take PSU to Parliament

The three parties accused the Government of lying when it guaranteed that no one would be disadvantaged by the aggregation of various benefits and argued that the legislation will hinder the fight against poverty.

AMI records an increase in poverty and social exclusion in Portugal

The AMI foundation reports a rise in poverty levels and social exclusion across the country.

HealthNews7 Aug

AMI records increase in food aid and support for homeless people

The AMI Foundation supported 5,519 people in the first half of the year, recording an 11% increase in food support and 115 more people experiencing homelessness, according to data released today.

AMI records increase in food aid and support for homeless people

The AMI Foundation supported 5,519 people in the first half of the year, recording an 11% increase in food aid and 115 more people experiencing homelessness, according to data released this Thursday. Of the 5,519 people supported by the AMI Foundation through its social action facilities and services in Portugal, 756 used the institution's services for the first time. AMI also assisted 673 homeless individuals, 115 of whom were new cases. Street teams provided direct support to 285 people, including 51 who were assisted for the first time, reinforcing outreach work for those in highly vulnerable situations. The foundation notes that poverty and social exclusion continue to affect the working-age population, with basic needs like food and housing remaining a daily challenge. Food aid saw an 11% increase in people supported and a 23% increase in food baskets distributed compared to the same period last year. The majority of beneficiaries are aged between 21 and 66, with 8% still requiring social support despite having employment income, as their wages are insufficient to cover essential expenses.

“How is it possible for this to be Porto?”: walking in the periphery to awaken “shock”

A social worker took walkers to the Porto where he has worked for 30 years. Between pain and kindness, a journey into the territory of poverty that the State has forgotten. Caminhos a Oriente continues until November.

Poverty beyond the momentary commotion

I see some public figures from culture, media, and academia worrying about poverty only because they loathe the ragged people sleeping in their doorways, but that lasts only a few hours.

Poverty is not fought with mistrust

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.

Gender equality falls, poverty and hunger eradication advances in Portugal

A report indicates a decline in gender equality metrics in Portugal, while progress is noted in the efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger.

Jornal de Notícias12 Jun