Number of Beneficiaries of Solidarity Complement for Seniors More Than Doubles

The Portuguese government's efforts to support low-income seniors have led to a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries of the Solidarity Complement for Seniors (CSI). According to Minister of Labor Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, the number of beneficiaries has more than doubled since May 2024, rising from 111,000 to 250,000 in September 2026. This increase is a result of the government's focus on protecting those who need it most, particularly seniors with low pensions.

The government has been paying close attention to the CSI, with the goal of providing better protection to those who need it most. To achieve this, the government has increased the reference value of the CSI for the fourth time, which will now be 720 euros per month. This represents a 30% increase compared to 2024. Additionally, the government has eliminated the condition of requiring the income of children to be eligible for the benefit, making it easier for seniors to access the support.

The changes to the CSI have also led to the inclusion of free medication for beneficiaries. Minister Palma Ramalho emphasized that this measure is just as important, if not more so, than the financial support itself. Furthermore, the government has announced increases in other social benefits, including a 21% increase in the informal caregiver subsidy, a 15.6% increase in the CSI, and a 10.1% increase in the unique social benefit (PSU) compared to the 2026 state budget.

The increases in social benefits are part of a broader effort to reduce poverty and improve living standards. According to Minister Palma Ramalho, between 2024 and 2026, family income will have increased by around 14%, excluding the effect of inflation. Additionally, the risk of poverty has reached its lowest level in 20 years, affecting around 100,000 fewer people. The risk of poverty among seniors has decreased by 3.3 percentage points, while among the employed population, it has fallen to 8.6%, the lowest value since 2010.

The government's efforts to support low-income seniors and people with disabilities are ongoing. The social benefit for inclusion and its complement, aimed at people with disabilities, will increase by 10%. The family allowance and sickness subsidy will also increase by 4.3% and 4%, respectively. These increases demonstrate the government's commitment to improving the living standards of vulnerable populations.

Minister Palma Ramalho highlighted the importance of the CSI in supporting low-income seniors. The program has been designed to provide a safety net for those who need it most, and the increases in benefits and eligibility will help to ensure that more people receive the support they need. The government's efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards are ongoing, and the CSI is a key part of this strategy.

The source of this information is RecordTV Cabo Verde, as reported by Lusa on November 8, 2026.

Key points

• The number of beneficiaries of Portugal's Solidarity Complement for Seniors (CSI) has more than doubled since May 2024, reaching 250,000 in September 2026.