Portuguese pensioners are paying attention to what could happen next year. After the extraordinary bonus paid in September, the Government has now clarified whether or not there will be a new supplement to pensions in 2026.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, the Minister of Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, admitted that repeating the measure will be “much more difficult”, although without completely closing the door on the possibility. The statements were made in an interview with Rádio Renascença, on the eve of the discussion of the State Budget for 2026 (OE2026) in Parliament.
According to the minister, the next budgetary year will be marked by a more demanding context, mainly due to the impact of loans from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). “It is much more difficult in 2026 because, due to these factors I mentioned, namely in the PRR loans, we maintain the point we said in 2024 and 2025: it will depend on budget execution. But it is much more difficult to do it in 2026 than it was to do it in 2024 or 2025”, explained Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, quoted by Notícias ao Minuto.
Government admits difficulties, but maintains hope
Despite prudence, the Government does not completely rule out a new supplement. According to the same publication, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento highlighted that, if there is budgetary margin, “he will grant an extraordinary pension supplement again”, although without concrete guarantees.
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, had already left a similar promise, indicating that the 2026 State Budget will include an increase in the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) and, if there is slack in the accounts, a new supplement in the middle of the year.
The OE2026 document confirms this intention: “The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) will increase by 40 euros in 2026, to 670 euros per month. Additionally, the possibility of an extraordinary supplement for pensioners will be evaluated.” The same text indicates that these measures represent a total investment of 700 million euros in social benefits.
What is known about the previous bonus
In September 2024, the Government allocated an extraordinary supplement that cost the State 400 million euros. Around 2.3 million Social Security, Caixa Geral de Aposentações (CGA) and banking sector pensioners were covered.
According to , the value of the bonus varied depending on the pension level: 200 euros for pensions up to 522.50 euros, 150 euros for pensions between 522.50 and 1,045 euros and 100 euros for pensions between 1,045 and 1,567.50 euros.
The supplement was justified as compensation for the increase in the cost of living and the loss of purchasing power felt by retirees, in a context of high inflation.
What to expect in 2026
For now, the scenario remains open. The Minister of Finance recognizes that the balance of public accounts will be tighter, but guarantees that the Government remains committed to supporting lower incomes.
Budget execution and the evolution of PRR funds will be decisive in deciding whether or not the extraordinary supplement will be paid again next year.
Until then, pensioners remain on alert, waiting to find out whether the promised increase in income will be repeated in 2026.
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