The State Budget for 2026 brings news for those who depend on social support, with some benefits increasing. Unemployment benefit, family benefit, parental benefit and Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) are some of the supports that will have a confirmed increase, according to the proposal submitted by the Government to Parliament.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, the Executive plans to spend 26,357.6 million euros on social benefits next year: a reinforcement that covers the majority of support, although with some exceptions.
The Social Insertion Income (RSI) and the Child Guarantee are left out of the increases, maintaining or even slightly reducing the amounts compared to 2025.
What support increases in 2026
Unemployment benefit will increase by 0.9%, bringing total expenditure to 1,740.1 million euros. The family benefit will have 27.6 million euros more than in the previous year. According to the publication, the objective is to reinforce support for families and workers, in a context where the cost of living remains high.
Parenting benefits will also grow significantly. The Government estimates spending 1,232.5 million euros in this area, 23.6% more compared to 2025.
This increase is partly due to the extension of the initial parental benefit by two months and the increase in the number of beneficiaries.
CSI and PSI with significant reinforcement
The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) is another support that increases, after the monthly increase of 40 euros announced by the Prime Minister. This indicates that total expenditure on this provision is expected to reach 671.8 million euros in 2026.
The Social Benefit for Inclusion (PSI), aimed at people with disabilities, also recorded a growth of 10.4%, to 886.1 million euros. According to the same source, the reinforcement is linked to the increase in the number of beneficiaries and the updating of reference values.
Exceptions to the rule
Not all support will increase. The Social Insertion Income (RSI), aimed at families in extreme poverty, will see expenditure fall slightly to 354.1 million euros — 700 thousand euros less than in 2025.
The Child Guarantee also drops, from 90 to 88.5 million euros, which represents a reduction of 1.7%.
Despite these exceptions, most social benefits will be reinforced in 2026, reflecting the Government’s commitment to protecting lower incomes and reinforcing family support measures.
According to the publication, next year will be marked by a global increase in social spending, albeit selective, with a focus on benefits that have the greatest direct impact on citizens’ lives.
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