What is Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law?
- Portugal Business News - Valerie Charoux
- May 31
- 2 min read
Labor News Europe - Here are the provisions under Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law in 2026, that was approved by the Government on May 29th, 2026:
What is Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law in 2026?
Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law in 2026, that was approved by the Government on May 29th, 2026, combines 13 non-contributory social benefits and aims to simplify access to social support. Portugal´s new Social Security law ensures that people already receiving social benefits are covered by the new law and maintain their current conditions. The new Single Social Benefit Law will also not be subject to income tax and is granted for periods of one year, renewable upon verification of eligibility.
In order to avoid a situation where it is financially more advantageous to remain unemployed than to return to work, Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law aims to encourage a return to the job market. Moreover, the new law guarantees that the first income from work will not mean a reduction in the value of the social benefit.
What are the obligations under Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law?
Portugal´s new Social Security law provides for work obligations up to a limit of 15 hours per week, with the schedule adjusted to each person's individual case.
The obligations under Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law may include registration at the employment center, acceptance of suitable employment, demonstration of actively seeking work, attendance at school or vocational training, and availability for social solidarity activities.
The obligations associated with the Single Social Benefit apply only to people of working age who are unemployed and capable of working, that excludes people with disabilities, students, and informal caregivers.
Who can apply for Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law?
Those who can apply for Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law are people aged 18 or over who reside in Portugal and admissibility depends on the household income. For people who come from countries outside the European Union, the Social Security law provides for a minimum residency period of one year.
Portugal´s new Single Social Benefit Law covers not only the person making the request, but also their family unit, including spouse or partner, adult and minor relatives, adopted children, children under guardianship, or children entrusted to the care of a court order.
