There are retirees with low incomes who may not be asking for more than monthly support. The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly, known as CSI, can reinforce income every month and, in addition, provide free access to medicines paid for by the State, with a medical prescription.
According to the gov.br portal, CSI is monthly cash support granted to elderly people with low resources. The service’s official page, updated in March 2026, also informs that beneficiaries have free access to covered medicines, simply by presenting a prescription at the pharmacy. There is, however, an important observation: anyone who recently requested the CSI will only have access to free medicines after receiving the first aid payment.
Support that can increase monthly income
The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly was created to reinforce the income of those who reach retirement age with few resources. According to , the support is intended for low-income elderly people, aged 66 years and 9 months or older in 2026, and also for disability pensioners who do not receive the Social Benefit for Inclusion.
In practice, it does not replace the pension. It works as a supplement paid monthly, designed to bring the beneficiary’s income closer to a reference value defined for this support.
Disability pensioners can also apply
One of the least known rules concerns disability retirees. The Social Security practical guide states that disability retirees can request CSI at any age, as long as they do not receive the Social Inclusion Benefit.
This detail is important because many people associate support only with elderly people of retirement age. But there are cases in which access can happen earlier, if disability retirement is at stake and if the other requirements are met.
Free medicines for beneficiaries
Support is not limited to the monthly fee. gov.br indicates that beneficiaries of the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly have free access to medicines paid for by the State, upon presentation of the medical prescription at the pharmacy.
This measure could have a significant impact on the budget of pensioners with regular healthcare expenses. In many cases, the monthly cost of medication is one of the heaviest installments for those living on low income.
Decree-Law No. 37/2024 enshrined the co-participation of 100% of medicines subject to medical prescription for CSI beneficiaries, through the additional health benefits regime. The Government had announced the measure as aimed at around 145 thousand people, along with changes to the supplement regime.
Children’s income no longer counts
Another point that can change the lives of many pensioners is the way income is assessed. For years, many elderly people were left out of the CSI because of their children’s income. This rule has been changed. Decree-Law No. 35/2024 eliminated the relevance of children’s income in the criteria for attributing the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly.
ECO reported, at the time, that the children’s income no longer counts towards the calculation of the CSI from June 1, 2024, following the diploma published in the Official Gazette. This change is especially relevant for retirees who never requested support because they assumed that their children’s income automatically excluded them.
Who can benefit
The CSI is aimed at people with low resources and resident in Portugal. In addition to age or disability retirement status, there are requirements linked to the income of the applicant and, where applicable, that of the spouse or partner. According to the Social Security Practical Guide, in 2026 the annual income limit is R$8,040 for a single person and R$14,070 for a couple or stable union, and the applicant cannot have an income exceeding R$8,040. Residence in Portugal, or similar situation, for at least six consecutive years on the date of the request is also required.
The value depends on income
The amount to be received is not the same for everyone. The CSI is calculated based on the income of the beneficiary and, when applicable, that of the spouse or partner. The lower the income considered, the higher the supplement may be, within the defined limits.
Ordinance No. 480-D/2025/1 set the annual CSI reference value for 2026 at 8,040 euros. This means that, for an individual person, the supplement cannot exceed 670 euros per month. Therefore, two retirees with similar pensions may have different answers, depending on other income, family situation, assets and household composition.
Support that many may not know about
This is one of the most relevant points of the topic. Many retirees may not apply for the CSI due to lack of knowledge, difficulty dealing with bureaucracy or because they think they do not meet the requirements. The amendment that removed children’s income from the assessment made support more accessible, but this information may not have reached everyone.
The gov.pt page allows you to request the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly online, identifying the service as a request for monthly cash support for elderly people with low resources.
How to order
The request can be made through Social Security services. On gov.br, the service “Request the solidarity supplement for the elderly” is available to those who meet the conditions and allows you to start the process. Social Security also indicates that the request can be made on the Social Security Portal or at customer services.
The applicant must have the necessary elements to prove identification, residence, income and family situation. If in doubt, you can ask for support from Social Security services or trusted family members.
Because it is worth confirming
Even if the pension is low, the right to CSI is not automatic. It is necessary to make the request and Social Security will assess the situation. Still, for many pensioners, confirming that they are entitled can mean more money every month and free access to reimbursed medicines.
In the end, the practical rule is simple: anyone who receives a low pension, lives in Portugal and meets the age or disability requirements should check whether they can request the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly. The change in children’s income rules has made this support more relevant for many Portuguese people who may not yet know they can benefit.
