Social Security is warning Portuguese pensioners living abroad about the need to fulfill the Life Proof requirement by September 15, 2026. This procedure serves to confirm that the pensioner is still alive and eligible to receive the benefit. The countries covered in this phase are Belgium, Canada, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
The pensioners affected include those receiving old-age, disability, or survivor pensions from the Portuguese Social Security system who are residents of the mentioned countries. Social Security recommends that the procedure not be left to the last days, emphasizing the importance of meeting the deadline within the established time.
Those who do not complete the Life Proof by September 15 may see their pension payments suspended starting in November. However, this suspension is not permanent. After submission and validation of the procedure, payment is resumed and the suspended amounts are paid later, although the pensioner may temporarily go without receiving the benefit.
The procedure can be done digitally through biometrics, using the Social Security Portal or the mobile application, which avoids in-person visits. Starting in 2027, the obligation to complete the annual Life Proof will be extended to all Social Security pensioners residing abroad, making it much more comprehensive than it currently is.
