The widow’s pension aims to reduce the financial impact resulting from the death of a spouse or de facto partner, although not all survivors meet the necessary criteria for its award. In 2026, as in previous years, this Social Security support is subject to legal and financial conditions that still generate many doubts among the Portuguese.
Who can benefit from the widow’s pension
According to the Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) website, this subsidy is intended for the surviving spouse or the person who was in a de facto union with the deceased, as long as the relationship is formally proven and the beneficiary resides in Portugal.
In the case of de facto unions, it is mandatory to prove a minimum coexistence of two years before death.
Furthermore, the applicant cannot benefit from another pension of their own and their gross monthly income must not exceed 40% of the Social Support Index (IAS) value.
Calculation of the pension amount
The amount of the pension depends on the deceased’s contribution status. In the non-contributory regime, the value corresponds to approximately 60% of the social pension.
In the contributory regime, the calculation is made based on the contributory career and the remuneration that the deceased received. It is possible to accumulate this support with other social benefits, such as the solidarity supplement for the elderly, as long as the total does not exceed the minimum pension of the general scheme.
How and where to apply
The request must be submitted to Social Security services or through the institution’s online platform. Documents such as a death certificate, identification of the applicant, proof of residence and income, as well as proof of marital or civil partnership are required.
Anyone who submits the request up to six months after the death is entitled to receive the pension retroactively to the month following the death.
Situations that nullify the right to a pension
Some requests are refused due to lack of documentation, failure to meet deadlines or income above the permitted limit. Social Security recommends that interested parties carry out a preliminary simulation to confirm eligibility and avoid future problems.
It also clarifies that the widow’s pension ends if the beneficiary remarries, enters into a new de facto union or acquires the right to a pension of a higher value.
Despite the bureaucracy involved, this support continues to be essential for those who have lost their partner and depend on this income to guarantee financial stability.
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