The family allowance amounts are set to increase next year, following the rate of inflation, as outlined in the proposed State Budget for 2026 (OE2026), which includes an allocation boost for this support.
“Regarding the family allowance, the increase of 27.6 million euros in 2026 compared to 2025 stems from the enhancement of the amounts in line with the inflation rate, uniformly for all income brackets of the household and age of the dependent/recipient,” the proposal report of OE2026, released by the Government, states.
This means the update will be uniform for all income brackets and ages of dependents, ensuring that all families will benefit from the same proportional increase.
Besides the family allowance, other social benefits will increase next year, although some will remain unchanged.
The Government plans to spend 26.357,6 million euros on social benefits, with increases forecasted for nearly all, except for the Social Insertion Income or Child Guarantee, both aimed at cases of extreme poverty.
Indeed, according to estimates, the Government expects to spend 26.357,6 million euros on social benefits, with increases planned for nearly all, except for the Social Insertion Income or Child Guarantee, both for cases of extreme poverty.
Beatriz Vasconcelos with Lusa | 09:07 – 10/10/2025
What is the family allowance and what are the conditions for eligibility?
According to Social Security, it is “a cash support paid monthly to assist families with expenses related to the maintenance and education of children and young people.”
A child or young person is eligible if they meet all of the following conditions:
- belong to a household that, as of the application date, does not possess financial assets (bank deposits, shares, bonds, savings certificates, participation titles, and units in collective investment institutions) exceeding 240 times the Index of Social Support (IAS) value;
- reside in Portugal or be classified as a resident;
- not be working, unless over 16 and working under a labor contract during school holidays;
provide school proof in July if aged between 16 and 24.
It should be noted that the “value and duration vary, depending on the child or young person’s age, household composition, and income.”
“If the child or young person’s household income falls within the 1st income bracket, they may be entitled to receive the Child Guarantee,” adds Social Security.
The Government explains that the Social Security simulator “automatically calculates the support you might be eligible for, such as the family allowance, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, or Social Insertion Income.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:57 – 15/09/2025
Got 7 minutes? That’s how long you need to find out if you’re eligible for any support
