The Special Pension Supplement (SEP) is a “monetary benefit provided by the State aimed at compensating former combatants, holders of disability, old-age, retirement, and pension benefits, for the time spent in military service under special conditions of hardship or danger,” according to the Social Security.
“The supplement is granted based on the length of credited military service (rendered in hardship or danger conditions) and is paid annually in the month of October,” it is further explained.
Who is eligible?
According to Social Security, the Special Pension Supplement is available to former combatants who:
- Are receiving Disability or Old-Age Pension under the general Social Security regime.
- Are covered by the Social Security system of European Union Member States and other member countries of the European Economic Area, as well as by Swiss legislation, coordinated by Community Regulations, even if not beneficiaries of the national Social Security system;
- Are covered by Social Security systems of countries with which international agreements have been established to consider contributory periods, provided they have been beneficiaries of the national Social Security system;
- Have had their military service time in hardship or danger conditions certified at their request by the Ministry of National Defense.
The CES considers that the OE2026 should “prioritize the structural increase of pensions” over “ad hoc aid.” The Government assured that it approved “permanent pension increases” and mentions an “additional expenditure of about 700 million euros for pensioners.”
Beatriz Vasconcelos | 07:19 – 06/11/2025
Additionally, “former combatants who are subscribers of the Caixa Geral de Aposentações or beneficiaries of the Caixa de Previdência dos Advogados e Solicitadores, are also entitled to this Special Pension Supplement granted by the aforementioned pension-paying entities.”
It can be combined with:
- Old-Age Pension
- Disability Pension
- Survivor’s Pension (only the widow)
It cannot be combined with:
- Lifetime Pension Increase for former combatants
- Special Pension Supplement
The Proof of Life is an “annual procedure for pensioners living abroad to ensure the continuity of pension rights. In 2025, the process began in Luxembourg and Switzerland and will gradually expand to other countries by 2027.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:39 – 06/10/2025
How much is received?
Social Security states that the Special Pension Supplement varies based on the length of credited military service, with the amounts for 2025 as follows:
- Up to 11 months: €93.50
- Between 12 and 23 months: €124.65
- 24 months or more: €186.95
The Special Pension Supplement is also paid annually.
The Government states that with the OE2026 proposal, it “continues to follow through with its policy of supporting the elderly and the most vulnerable, continuing to focus on strengthening their income.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 09:00 – 15/10/2025
