Recognition of military service continues to be an old concern for many Portuguese who served the country in risky missions, at home and abroad. Among the support available, there is a specific benefit that aims to compensate retirees for life for the time served under difficult conditions, with the attribution of an extra amount.
It is called “Lifetime Pension Increase” and is an additional annual payment intended for former combatants who served overseas or participated in military missions abroad. Any retiree who meets these requirements can request this support, as long as they have paid into Social Security.
According to the digital newspaper specializing in economics and business Executive Digest, this support aims to value the years of military service through a special regime that bonuses the time counted for retirement purposes.
Who can benefit
Ex-soldiers and soldiers who served in theaters of war between 1961 and 1975, as well as those who were part of missions abroad under the aegis of the UN, NATO or European Union, can request the increase. The benefit also covers retired people who did not pursue a career in the Armed Forces, as long as they meet certain requirements.
To be entitled to the increase, you must: be a beneficiary of an old-age or disability pension under the general Social Security scheme; have a certificate issued by the Ministry of National Defense proving the length of service provided in dangerous conditions; and ensure that this period was counted as bonus time for reform.
Accumulation and exclusions
According to the same source, the “Lifetime Pension Increase” can be accumulated with old-age or disability pensions, but it is incompatible with the special pension supplement and the special pension supplement provided for in Law no. 46/2020, of 20 August.
These two supplements, intended for retirees who served in the former colonies, correspond to 7% of the value of the social pension for each year of military service, or one twelfth of that percentage for each month of service.
How to ask for support
The request must be made using form RP 5079-DGSS, available on the Social Security portal, accompanied by a certificate of military service time.
Delivery can be made to Social Security services or the National Pensions Center. Normally, payment, made in a single installment, takes place in October, the month in which the eligibility of beneficiaries is also confirmed.
Value and update
According to , the value of the increase is calculated based on the formula: actuarial coefficient × contributions paid × revaluation factor for the year of payment. The amount is lifelong and cannot exceed 186.95 euros or be less than 93.50 euros, being subject to annual updating in accordance with the Social Support Index (IAS). For 2025, the update rate is set at 2.6%.
This support represents, according to associations of former combatants, a symbolic but important way of recognizing the contribution and sacrifice of those who served the country in conflict scenarios or on high-risk international missions.
Also read:
