Life Proof once again assumed a central role for thousands of pensioners residing abroad and receiving Portuguese Social Security pensions. The Social Security Institute (ISS) clarified that anyone living in Luxembourg or Switzerland and receiving disability, old-age or survivors’ pensions must complete validation by November 30, 2025, under penalty of seeing pension payments suspended from January 2026.
According to the organization, this is a measure designed to prevent undue payments in cases of unreported death, which, according to the Institute itself, represented around 11 million euros in 2024.
Deadline is coming to an end and suspension comes into effect in January
According to the Social Security Institute (ISS), the deadline ends on November 30, 2025 and there will be no extension. According to the same source, if the proof is not submitted within this period, the payment of the pension will be suspended in January 2026 and will only be resumed after receipt of valid proof.
The institution also added that, to date, around 85% of pensioners residing in Switzerland and Luxembourg aged over 66 years and 7 months have already completed the process, according to data published in an official publication.
How can Proof of Life be done?
The ISS explains, on its portal, that there are three ways to carry out the Proof of Life: digital, documentary or in person. The recommendation falls on the digital route, considered “faster, safer and without the need for travel”, as stated in the publication shared by the organization. For this modality, all you need is a device with a camera that allows you to validate your identity remotely, eliminating the need to physically send documents or go to branches.
The test can also be done in person at consular services or recognized entities, or by sending valid documentation, depending on the pensioner’s situation and ease of access to digital media.
Who is exempt and who really has to comply with the procedure
Not all pensioners need to carry out this annual validation. According to the ISS publication, the test is only mandatory for those who, in the previous year, had a registered address abroad. In 2025, the focus falls exclusively on pensioners who in 2024 had a declared address in Switzerland or Luxembourg.
Pensioners residing in Portugal only need to take the test if, in the previous year, they were registered as residents in another country.
When the pensioner is unable to take the test
If the beneficiary is unable to provide Proof of Life, there is the possibility of being represented by a third party. According to the ISS, this option requires the presentation of three elements: a document proving that the pensioner is unable to carry out the procedure, a valid copy of the representative’s identification document and a certified copy of the document that grants him powers of representation.
Measure created to avoid undue payments
This obligation arises after warnings about pension payments in situations of unreported death. According to the publication, this scenario represented 11 million euros unduly paid in 2024, which led the Government to reinforce control mechanisms and establish stricter calendars for pensioners living outside the country.
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