The Social Old-Age Pension is a monthly support from Social Security aimed at people who have reached the normal retirement age but do not meet the necessary conditions to receive a pension from the contributory scheme. In 2026, this age is set at 66 years and 9 months. The benefit also covers situations where contributions were made throughout working life but in insufficient numbers, and can also work as a complement for those who already receive a pension of lower value than the social pension amount. Covered are citizens resident in Portugal or equivalent, as well as citizens of European Union member states and countries with relevant agreements with Portugal.
The granting of this pension depends on meeting a fundamental requirement: the means test. Under Decree-Law No. 464/80, gross monthly income cannot exceed 40% of the Social Support Index (IAS) for a single person, or 60% of the IAS for a couple. Considering that the IAS is set at 537.13 euros in 2026, a single person must have gross monthly income equal to or less than 214.85 euros, while a couple cannot exceed 322.28 euros monthly. Failure to meet these limits may prevent recognition of the right to the benefit.
In 2026, the base monthly value of the Social Old-Age Pension is 262.40 euros, to which the Extraordinary Solidarity Supplement is automatically added. Beneficiaries under 70 receive a supplement of 22.83 euros, totaling 285.23 euros monthly. From age 70 onwards, the supplement increases to 45.67 euros, bringing the total to 308.07 euros. This pension can be combined with the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly, the Dependency Supplement, and the Social Integration Income, provided the respective requirements are met.
A significant change is planned from December 31, 2026. Decree-Law No. 166/2026 created the Single Social Benefit, which will incorporate various non-contributory benefits, including the Social Old-Age Pension and the Extraordinary Solidarity Supplement. Current beneficiaries will be automatically converted to the new system, with guarantees that their current payment amounts will be maintained, including protection for Dependency Supplement and Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly recipients.
