The law requires that beneficiaries of the Social Benefit for Inclusion have to prove that the disability was acquired before the age of 55, which excludes patients who develop illnesses or limitations at a later stage.
The law that excludes people over 55 from the Social Benefit for Inclusion (PSI) is being criticized for being unfair and violating the Constitution.
The case of José Ferreira, 60, illustrates the problem: diagnosed with bladder cancer in January and with a degree of disability of 60%saw his request for support rejected by Social Security due to his age, according to reports.
PSI is monthly support of around 200 euros aimed at people with significant disabilities. The legal framework is defined in Decree-Law nº 126-A/2017, which establishes that citizens aged 55 or over are only entitled to the benefit if they can prove that the disability was acquired before this age.
Social policy experts consider the measure discriminatory. Sociologist Luís Capucha argues that the rule “goes against the right to a dignified life” and may even conflict with constitutional principles. According to the researcher, it makes no sense to leave people without support who, despite continuing to work or being outside the labor market, face significant limitations due to health problems.
PSI, which replaced the old social retirement due to disability, can be combined with other supportsuch as social insertion income or pensions. However, age restrictions continue to be one of the main obstacles to access.
The government is preparing a reform of the system, with the development of the so-called Single Social Benefit, which should integrate various supports, including the PSI, and simplify the granting criteria. The measure will have to be completed by August, as part of the goals of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
