PSU
Published 8 November 2026, 20:08
PSU — prestação social única (single social benefit)
The abbreviation for the single social benefit. From 31 December 2026 it replaces thirteen benefits in the non-contributory part of social security, which does not depend on the contributions you have paid. They include social pensions, RSI, social unemployment benefit and six social benefits linked to parenthood. It is calculated like this: the reference amount, half the IAS (€268.57 a month at the 2026 IAS), is multiplied by the number of "adult equivalents" in the household (the applicant counts as 1, each other adult as 0.7 and each minor as 0.5), and the household's income for the previous three months is deducted.
Where you come across it. Letters from social security and conversations about social benefits after 31 December 2026; you apply through Segurança Social Direta or at any social security office.
Anyone already receiving one of the thirteen benefits does not need to reapply: they are moved over automatically and keep the same amount. A newcomer from a country outside the EU and the EEA is entitled to the benefit only after a year of living in Portugal with a valid residence permit. To receive it, you have to register with the job centre and do unpaid community work: up to 15 hours a week, rising to 20 from the third renewal.
Official website: diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/portaria/394-2026-1162304245