September is traditionally a month of increased expenses for families with children of school age, due to costs for materials, clothing, transportation, and other needs related to the start of the school year. For some of these families, there is a specific reinforcement from Social Security: the family allowance for children and young people may be paid double in this month. This rule is not new, as it is already provided for in Article 15 of Decree-Law No. 176/2003 and applies every year in September.
To be entitled to the additional payment, it is not enough to receive family allowance. The legislation determines that the child or young person must simultaneously meet three conditions: be between 6 and 16 years old during the calendar year, be classified in the 1st income bracket of the family allowance, and be enrolled in an educational institution. Families in brackets 2, 3, or 4 do not benefit from this additional payment.
In 2026, the monthly allowance amount for children over 36 months in the 1st bracket is 75.13 euros, updated by Ordinance No. 60/2026 with an increase of 2.2%. An eligible child thus receives 150.26 euros in September (75.13 euros of regular allowance plus 75.13 euros of additional amount). A family with two children who meet the requirements can receive up to 300.52 euros in just these two components.
It is important to clarify that this additional amount is not an advance on future months nor a loan. It is an extra amount specifically provided to compensate for September's school expenses. Those who meet the conditions should confirm that the allowance is active, that the child is correctly classified in the 1st bracket, and that the school enrollment is properly registered with Social Security.
