Portuguese Social Security Support
The Portuguese government provides a range of social security support through its Segurança Social (Social Security) system. These benefits are designed to support citizens in various life situations, such as unemployment, illness, disability, parenthood, and retirement. The main social security supports include:
1. Unemployment benefits
- Subsídio de Desemprego: Financial support for unemployed individuals who meet contribution requirements.
- Subsídio Social de Desemprego: Assistance for those who do not meet the standard unemployment benefit criteria or have exhausted it.
- Medidas Ativas de Emprego: Programs that help reintegrate unemployed individuals into the job market.
2. Family and parental support
- Abono de Família: A family allowance for children and young people.
- Subsídio Parental: Maternity, paternity, and parental leave support.
- Subsídio por Assistência a Filho: Financial aid for parents who need to care for sick children.
- Subsídio por Adoção: Support for adoptive parents.
3. Sickness and disability benefits
- Subsídio de Doença: Temporary support for workers unable to work due to illness.
- Pensão de Invalidez: Disability pension for those permanently unable to work.
- Complemento por Dependência: Additional support for those needing assistance in daily activities.
4. Retirement and old age support
- Pensão de Velhice: Public pension for individuals who reach retirement age (currently 66 years and 4 months in 2024).
- Complemento Solidário para Idosos (CSI): Additional support for low-income elderly individuals.
5. Social inclusion and minimum income supports
- Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI): Minimum income support for individuals and families in financial hardship.
- Ação Social: Social services and support for vulnerable groups.
6. Housing and disability support
- Subsídio de Renda: Rental subsidies for low-income families.
- Apoios para Deficientes: Financial and material support for individuals with disabilities, including tax benefits and specialized equipment.
7. Work-related injury and occupational disease support
- Subsídio por Incapacidade Temporária: Compensation for workers injured at work.
- Pensão por Incapacidade Permanente: Permanent disability pension for occupational diseases or work-related injuries.
Who is eligible for social security in Portugal?
The Portuguese social security system is available to both Portuguese and foreign citizens who make contributions to the Portuguese social security systems. Usually, these contributions are made by both employees and employers. Employees contribute 11% of their salary, while their employer contributes ~34.75%. Employee contributions cover family, pension, and unemployment benefits, and employers’ contributions cover insurance for occupational accidents. However, self-employed contributions are higher. Workers’ contributions are deducted directly from their salary. Self-employed workers need to make contributions themselves, unless they have an exemption.
Why Is It Important?
Social Security in Portugal is essential to ensure that no one is left without support in times of vulnerability. It promotes social justice and solidarity among citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need, regardless of their economic or social situation.
Source: https://en.seg-social.pt/social-benefits
