Proof of life is a procedure used to confirm that the pension continues to be paid to the beneficiary and avoid undue payments to pensioners who are no longer entitled. But there is one detail that is causing confusion: in Portugal, CGA and Social Security have different calendars for this type of confirmation.
In the case of Caixa Geral de Aposentações, the digital proof of life for retirees residing abroad takes place between January 2nd and 31st, 2026, according to the CGA itself. In the general Social Security regime, the obligation to provide proof of life for pensioners residing abroad is provided for in Decree-Law No. 40/2025 and regulated by Ordinance No. 274/2025/1, with different annual deadlines.
What notification is this and who can receive it
At CGA, the Digital Life Proof is available from January 2nd to 31st, 2026 for retirees residing abroad, and can be done from wherever they are, according to official information from the CGA. Anyone who is unable to use electronic means must wait for the form for documentary proof, which the CGA indicates will be sent in February.
In Social Security, proof of life applies to general regime pensioners residing abroad who receive disability, old-age or survivors’ pensions, under the terms of Decree-Law No. 40/2025. Ordinance No. 274/2025/1 defines that Social Security notifies pensioners in the month of April and that the test is carried out, as a general rule, between May 1st and September 15th, digitally, in person or by document.
It is also important to take into account the transitional regime: the Ordinance provides for a phased application by country and age, including in 2026 the extension to other countries and, from 2027, to all pensioners residing abroad.
What happens if you don’t respond
In the general Social Security regime, the consequence is clear in the law: the lack of proof of life determines the suspension of pension payment until proof is carried out, with payment being resumed with retroactive effect to the date of suspension, in accordance with Decree-Law No. 40/2025 and Ordinance No. 274/2025/1.
A recent example shows the practical impact: according to a news report from RTP with data attributed to Lusa, 678 emigrants’ pensions in Luxembourg and Switzerland were suspended due to lack of timely proof of life, with an indication that the payment is reactivated retroactively after regularization. The same information states that, to avoid interruption in January payments, the test should be completed before processing that month’s pensions.
What should you do now to avoid surprises?
If you are retired and living abroad, confirm that you are able to use the Digital Life Proof within the period of January 2 to 31, 2026. If you are unable to do so, follow the alternative indicated by the CGA and wait for the documentary proof form in February.
If you are a pensioner of the general Social Security regime residing abroad, follow the notifications and deadlines defined in Ordinance no. 274/2025/1 and confirm, in particular, whether you are in the universe covered in your country of residence and in the year in question for the pension.
In any case, keeping your address and contact details up to date is essential to receive notifications and avoid suspensions due to lack of response.
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