Social Security can review, suspend and demand the return of pensions paid improperly, even when there was no intention to deceive. According to Decree-Law No. 133/88, when a payment without entitlement is identified, the beneficiary is notified to respond, may have the payment suspended during verification and, if the debt is confirmed, receives information on the amounts and forms of restitution. The return can be made directly, by offsetting with other benefits or in installments, upon a reasoned request submitted within 30 days.
There are specific rules regarding the accumulation of pensions with work income and other social benefits. The old-age pension can, as a rule, be accumulated with work, but there are exceptions, such as a pension resulting from the conversion of absolute disability. Anticipated pensions have limitations for three years, not allowing work at the same company. Additionally, the old-age pension cannot be accumulated with unemployment benefits, under the terms of Decree-Law No. 220/2006.
Disability pensions have their own rules: relative disability allows work with income limits, while absolute disability does not allow any professional activity. Non-compliance can lead to loss of the pension, restitution of amounts and a new assessment of the disability. Those residing abroad must also comply with the life proof obligation, under penalty of payment suspension.
If the pensioner dies, the pension ceases at the end of that month and amounts paid improperly after death can be claimed from the estate or joint account holders. Providing false information or omitting relevant facts aggravates the consequences, with fines between 50 and 350 euros, increased to double if they result in improper payments. Upon receiving a notification to return money, the beneficiary should verify all data, respond within the deadlines and, if necessary, request payment in installments.
