Portugal approves new unified social benefit, the Prestação Social Única

Prestação Social Única Portugal social reform 268.6 euros RSI replacement PCP criticism

The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a decree‑law establishing the Prestação Social Única (PSU), a unified non‑contributory benefit that will replace 13 existing social supports such as the Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI), the social pension for the elderly, unemployment subsidies and others. The reference amount for the PSU was set at €268.6, equal to 50 % of the Indexante dos Apoios Sociais (IAS), which the government says represents an 8.5 % increase over the current RSI reference value and is intended to guarantee a minimum dignified income for people in severe material need.

Opposition parties and unions criticised the reform. The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) argued that the PSU will not combat poverty and that the government shows no intention to raise the amounts substantially. The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP‑IN) warned that the new regime could be "globally less favourable" for most beneficiaries and that it may impose unpaid work, raising concerns about labour rights.

Separately, Social Security data showed that in June 2026 the RSI benefitted 154,872 people, with the highest concentration of families in the Porto district (27 % of the national total), followed by Lisbon and Setúbal.

Entities

CGTP‑IN · Council of Ministers · Council of Ministers (Portugal) · Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho · Portugal · Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) · Portuguese Government · Prestação Social Única · Rendimento Social de Inserção

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The reference amount for the PSU was set at €268.6, equal to 50 % of the Indexante dos Apoios Sociais (IAS). canalalentejo.sapo.pt · hrportugal.sapo.pt · postal.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) says the PSU will not help combat poverty and that the government has no intention to substantially increase the amounts. observador.pt · sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The €268.6 reference value represents an 8.5 % increase over the current RSI reference value. hrportugal.sapo.pt · postal.pt
[○ 1 SOURCE] The PSU is intended for citizens over 18 residing in Portugal, and may also be available to citizens of other EU member states. hrportugal.sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The PSU will replace 13 existing non‑contributory benefits, including the RSI, social pension, unemployment subsidy and others. hrportugal.sapo.pt · postal.pt
[○ 1 SOURCE] In June 2026, 154,872 people received the Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI), with 27 % of beneficiary families located in the Porto district. diariodistrito.sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The CGTP‑IN claims the PSU may be globally less favourable for most beneficiaries and could impose unpaid work obligations. www.sabado.pt · jornaleconomico.sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The Council of Ministers approved a decree‑law creating the Prestação Social Única (PSU). canalalentejo.sapo.pt · hrportugal.sapo.pt