The Social Integration Income (RSI) is a Social Security support aimed at people and families in situations of extreme poverty, which includes a monthly benefit and a social and professional integration program. Contrary to what many think, this support is not reserved only for people without work, and can be granted to those who have work income provided that the limits and conditions set out in Law No. 13/2003 are met.
Among the requirements for accessing RSI are legal residence in Portugal, not owning movable assets exceeding 60 times the Social Support Index (32,227.80 euros), and, for those who are unemployed, registration with the employment center. The benefit amount corresponds, as a rule, to the difference between the maximum amount applicable to the household and the income considered for the calculation.
The gross monthly income must be less than 247.56 euros for a person living alone. For households, the maximum limit is calculated by adding 247.56 euros for the holder, 173.29 euros for each additional adult, and 123.78 euros for each minor. In calculating the benefit, 80% of work income is considered after deducting mandatory Social Security contributions. However, if the holder or another member of the household starts working after RSI has been granted, only 50% of income is considered during the first 12 months.
There are also exceptions for minors under 18, who can apply for RSI if they have their own income exceeding 173.29 euros and are pregnant, living in a de facto union for more than two years, or have minors or people with disabilities in their care without income. It is this calculation method that allows, in certain situations, for RSI to continue to be paid even when the holder or another member of the household receives a salary.
