Effective Dates: 04/12/2023 - Present Previous | Next

TN 6 (04-23)

GN 01727.020 Portuguese Social Security Benefits - Eligibility Requirements

A. Introduction

Although Portugal pays many different categories of benefits, this section describes only retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. These are the only Portuguese benefits included within the scope of the agreement.

B. Benefit eligibility requirements

This section provides basic eligibility requirements for Portuguese retirement, disability and survivor's benefits.

1. Retirement benefits

Since 2015, the retirement age in Portugal has been tied to increases in average life expectancy. Portugal currently pays retirement benefits at age 66 and 5 months with 15 years of contributions for a partial retirement benefit, or 40 years of contributions for a full benefit. An earlier retirement age is possible for workers with at least 40 years of contributions into the Portuguese system, albeit at a permanently reduced rate.

2. Disability benefits

Portugal pays two different types of disability benefits - relative disability and absolute disability.

3. Requirements to qualify

  • •

    Relative disability benefits are possible if the worker is under retirement age and permanently unable to earn more than one-third of previous earnings due to a non-work related illness or injury. The worker must have contributed to the Portuguese system for at least 5 years in order to be eligible; and

  • •

    Absolute disability benefits are possible if the worker is under retirement age and has suffered a permanent, 100% loss of work capacity. The worker must have contributed to the Portuguese system for at least 3 years in order to be eligible.

C. - Eligibility for dependents of retired or disabled workers

There is no provision for benefits for spouses, divorced spouses, or children of retired or disabled workers.

D. Survivor benefits

For Portuguese survivors benefit to be payable, the deceased worker must have had at least 36 months (3 years) of contributions.

1. Widow(er)

A widow(er) can receive a benefit at any age if he or she was married to the worker for at least 1 year. If the widow(er) is under age 35, the benefit is payable only for 5 years unless the widow is disabled or has dependent children in his or her care. His or her benefit ceases upon remarriage.

2. Divorced widow(er)

The requirements for a divorced widow(er) are the same as for a widow(er) if he or she received court-ordered alimony at the time of the worker's death.

3. Children

A child can receive a benefit if he or she is under age 18 (or age 27 if he or she is a full-time student), or at any age if he or she is totally incapable of work.

4. Other dependent relatives

Surviving parents of the worker can receive a benefit if they were dependent on the worker and there is no surviving spouse or child beneficiary.

5. Funeral grant

A funerary grant is a one-time payment that Portugal pays to a relative of a deceased worker if the deceased worker was receiving a benefit or was covered under the Portuguese system at the time of death. It is payable as a survivors grant in case of eligible survivors, or as a funerary grant in all other cases.

E. Contact information

SSA cannot provide official information about Portuguese social security benefits. Portuguese social security information is available online at: Seguranca Social.

Refer those persons who want official information about Portuguese benefits to:

 

Departamento de Relacoes

Internacionais e Convencoes

de Seguranca Social

Rua da Junqueira, 112

1302 Lisboa Codex

PORTUGAL

 

 

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0201727020
GN 01727.020 - Portuguese Social Security Benefits - Eligibility Requirements - 04/12/2023
Batch run: 04/12/2023
Rev:04/12/2023