Solidarity supplement for the elderly — Everything you need to know
- Hugo Oliveira
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
In an increasingly aging country, where seniors often rely on social support, understanding the Solidarity Supplement for Seniors is crucial . In this article, we'll take a closer look at this benefit: what it is, who is eligible, its value, and how to apply.
Portugal — an aging country dependent on social supplements
Portugal is aging rapidly. According to 2022 data, Portugal already ranks second in the European Union in terms of population aging , behind only Italy.
Currently, there are 184 people over 65 for every 100 young people. The National Statistics Institute (INE) predicts this trend will worsen in the coming years , with projections pointing to a ratio of 215 elderly people per 100 young people in 2030, 297 in 2050, and 300 in 2080.
Unfortunately, the elderly are also more vulnerable and exposed to poverty. More than 400,000 seniors, representing 17% of the elderly population, survive on a maximum monthly income of €551.
While these numbers are alarming, there have been improvements over the years. While in 2021, 17% of seniors were at risk of poverty, in 2007, that number was 25%. However, these improvements depend significantly on social support.
Without social supplement transfers, such as the Senior Citizen Social Supplement or the Social Integration Income, it is estimated that 86% of seniors would be living in poverty today. Interestingly, although the number of Senior Citizen Social Supplement beneficiaries has decreased, more people are benefiting from the Social Integration Income.
What is the solidarity supplement for seniors?
The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) is a financial benefit granted monthly to elderly citizens with limited financial resources who reside in Portugal and are 66 years and 4 months old or older, the same age of eligibility for the old-age pension under the general Social Security regime .
The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly can be combined with a disability pension under the general scheme, a social disability pension under the special disability protection scheme, old age pension under the general scheme, survivors' pension, social old age pension, and a dependency supplement (with a maximum limit corresponding to the value of the first degree).
Who is entitled to the solidarity supplement for the elderly?
Eligibility for the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly involves meeting several criteria, including your age, country of residence and income, among other factors.
1. You must have resources below the CSI limit. If you are married or have been in a civil partnership for more than two years, the couple's resources must be limited to a total of €10,252.60 per year, and the resources of the person applying for the CSI must not exceed €5,858.63 per year. If you are not married or have been in a civil partnership for more than two years, your resources must be up to €5,858.63 per year.
We explain how the income and resources of the elderly applicant are calculated below.
2. Have resided in Portugal for at least 6 consecutive years on the date of application;
3. Holders of an Old Age or Survivor's Pension who are 66 years and 4 months of age or older or a General Regime Disability Pension who are not holders of the Social Inclusion Benefit;
4. Being a Portuguese citizen and not having had access to the social pension due to having income above the limit of €192.17 for an individual or €288.26 for a couple.
Additionally, it is also necessary to:
5. Authorize Social Security to access your tax and banking information;
6. Be available to request other Social Security support to which you are entitled.
How are senior resources calculated?
To assess the resources of the elderly, Social Security considers the following income: from others, self-employment, business or professional income, capital, property, asset increases, realization value of movable and immovable property, pensions and supplements.
Furthermore, cash support paid by Social Security or another equivalent system, the amount paid by Social Security to help with the cost of the home, foster family or other social support of a residential nature attended by the elderly person or by the person with whom they are married or live in a de facto union, a percentage of the value of movable and immovable assets (excluding the elderly person's residence), as well as money transfers made by individuals or legal entities, public or private, are also taken into account.
What is the value of the solidarity supplement for seniors? How is it calculated?
The CSI amount is paid monthly, 12 times a year. If you receive this supplement, each month you will receive 1/12 of the difference between your annual resources and the supplement's reference value, which in 2023 corresponds to €5,858.63. This means that, at most, this year, 2023, you will receive €5,858.63 per year, which is equivalent to a maximum of €488.22 per month.
For example, let's say the difference between your resources and the supplement's reference value is €2,000. In this case, you'll receive €166.66 per month.
Solidarity supplement for the elderly — simple application
To apply for the solidarity supplement for the elderly , there is a set of requirements that you need to complete:
CSI 1 – DGSS : Application for the solidarity supplement for the elderly;
CSI 1/5 – DGSS: Application for the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly – Continuation sheet;
CSI 1/2 – DGSS: Application for the solidarity supplement for the elderly – Instructions;
CSI 1/4 – DGSS: Annex – Annual household income;
CSI 12 – DGSS: Declaration of availability to exercise the right to alimony – Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly;
CSI 13 – DGSS: Authorization of payment to third parties – Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly.
In addition, along with these requests, you must submit a photocopy of the following documents belonging to the elderly person:
Social Security identification card or Social Security Pensioner Card or other national or foreign social protection system;
Valid identification document;
Tax Identification Document (Taxpayer Card).
What other supplements can seniors receive?
Additional Health Benefits – this assistance takes the form of a contribution to healthcare expenses, such as medication, glasses and lenses, removable dental prostheses, and oral health.
Social Tariff for electricity and natural gas – This is an automatic discount on the tariff for access to the electricity and natural gas networks.
Social Water Tariff – This is a discount or exemption on the tariff for access to water supply and wastewater sanitation services.
Broadband Internet Access Services – Corresponds to a specific tariff for broadband Internet access (fixed or mobile), which is calculated taking into account the income of Portuguese families.
Social Pass + – Guarantees a 50% discount on the price of the social pass.
In this scenario of population aging, the Hug Group is a reference in supporting the elderly, playing a vital role in mitigating the challenges this age group faces.