Family benefit values will rise next year, following the evolution of inflation, according to the State Budget proposal for 2026 (OE2026). The update will be applied uniformly to all income brackets and ages of dependents, which ensures that all families benefit from the same proportional increase.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, the OE2026 report foresees an increase of 27.6 million euros for this social support. “Regarding the family allowance, the increase of 27.6 million euros in 2026, compared to 2025, results from the increase in amounts in accordance with the variation in inflation, uniform for all income brackets of the household and age of the descendant”, reads the document released by the Government.
Proportional and comprehensive increase
According to the same source, this update will be transversal, ensuring that the reinforcement is distributed equally between families. The objective, explains the Executive, is to preserve the purchasing power of beneficiaries in a context of generalized price rises.
In addition to the family allowance, increases are planned in several other social benefits, although not all of them are covered. The Government estimates spending 26,357.6 million euros on social benefits in 2026, with reinforcements in support such as pensions and the solidarity supplement for the elderly. However, the Social Insertion Income (RSI) and the Childhood Guarantee will not change, remaining at current values.
What is family benefit
According to Social Security, cited by Notícias ao Minuto, the family allowance is “support paid in cash, per month, to help families with expenses related to the support and education of children and young people”.
The right to this support depends on the income and composition of the household. Among the conditions required are residence in Portugal, the absence of movable assets exceeding 240 times the value of the Social Support Index (IAS) and the age of children or dependents.
For young people between 16 and 24 years old, the school test held in July is mandatory. Those in the first income bracket can, in certain cases, accumulate the benefit with the Childhood Guarantee, a benefit designed to support families in a more vulnerable situation.
Limited reinforcement, but with real impact
Although the increase predicted for 2026 is modest, the Executive argues that it represents an important contribution for families with school-age children. According to , this update aims to offset the impact of inflation on the domestic budget and reinforce support for families in an uncertain economic context.
The increase in values will be automatically applied to all beneficiaries, without the need for a new request. The updated amounts should be known after the final approval of the State Budget, during the last quarter of 2025.
Other benefits under analysis
The Government also admits to reviewing, throughout the year, other social and family benefits, including measures aimed at children and youth. However, the priority declared in the OE2026 report is to ensure the sustainability of public accounts and concentrate increases on more comprehensive support.
With this reinforcement, the Executive intends to signal a policy of continuity in the protection of families with children and young people, ensuring that the family allowance follows the cost of living and maintains its role as the main support for birth rates and education.
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