An annual Social Security obligation was expanded in 2026 and may have a direct impact on the pension payments of some beneficiaries. The procedure has a defined deadline and, if not completed in time, can lead to the temporary suspension of the money that enters the account every month.
The alert was made by , which once again recommended the use of digital channels to speed up the process. Validation can be done via cell phone or computer, but there are still face-to-face and documentary alternatives for those who are unable to use these means.
The new group covered by the rule
Canada joined the list of countries covered by mandatory Proof of Life in 2026. According to the Social Security Institute, “the mandatory annual Proof of Life was extended to pensioners residing in Canada”, thus joining Belgium, Cape Verde, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
With this change, there are more Portuguese pensioners living outside the country who have to confirm their situation to continue receiving old-age, disability or survival pensions from Portuguese Social Security.
Who has to take the Life Test this year?
In 2026, the obligation applies to retirees from the general Social Security regime who had a registered address, in 2025, in one of the covered countries.
The list now includes Belgium, Cape Verde, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Pensioners aged 66 years and 9 months or over and with a pension granted until December 31, 2025 are covered. The measure covers old-age, disability and survivors’ pensions.
The deadline for deciding payment
The Proof of Life must be carried out between May 1st and September 15th, 2026. The Government had already warned that “failure to deliver within the deadline implies the suspension of pension payments from November 2026, being resumed only after the situation is regularized”.
In other words, anyone who misses the deadline will not permanently lose their pension, but may temporarily not receive it. Once the situation has been regularized, payment will resume.
How to carry out the procedure?
Social Security recommends the digital route. According to the Social Security Institute, “the fastest and most convenient way to do this is Digital Proof of Life, through a simple facial verification on your cell phone or computer on the Social Security App or Portal”.
The process involves facial validation, carried out through Social Security’s digital channels, to confirm the pensioner’s identity.
There are alternatives for those who do not use digital media
Not all pensioners are able to complete the procedure online. Therefore, the ISS clarifies that, “if you are unable to use digital channels, you can still do so in person (at Consulates, Embassies or Attachés) or Documentally (by sending the completed Proof of Life Certificate)”.
These alternatives are especially relevant for pensioners who have difficulties accessing the internet, less familiarity with digital tools or problems using a cell phone or computer.
Social Security appeals to digital channels
The Social Security Institute advises covered pensioners to avoid unnecessary travel. “Avoid traveling and queuing. Access our digital channels and handle everything safely and quickly”, recommended the public body.
Still, anyone who needs support should resort to in-person or documentary options in advance, to avoid leaving the process until the last few days of the deadline.
Why does this obligation exist?
The Proof of Life serves to confirm that the retiree continues to be eligible to receive the pension. The measure was created to avoid undue payments when there are failures in reporting deaths of Portuguese residents outside the country. The logic is to ensure that pensions continue to be paid only to those who retain the right to receive them.
The legislation initially came into force for pensioners residing in Luxembourg and Switzerland who received Portuguese disability, old-age or survivors’ pensions. Since then, the list has been expanded.
Pay attention to the registered address
The relevant criterion is the address registered with Social Security. Having a bank account outside Portugal does not mean, in itself, that the retiree is covered. The essential point is the residence communicated to Social Security and the country associated with the beneficiary.
Therefore, anyone who receives a Portuguese pension and lives outside the country must confirm that their personal data, contacts and address are up to date.
Rule should expand in the future
The obligation should gain greater scope in the coming years. The Government had already indicated that Proof of Life will cover all pensioners residing abroad from 2027. In 2026, however, the rule will only apply to identified countries, now with the entry of Canada.
Until then, pensioners covered this year must meet the deadline to avoid payment suspension in November.
What should they do now?
Anyone who lives in one of the countries covered must confirm whether they have received communication from Social Security and complete the Proof of Life within the deadline. You must also check that you can access the Social Security Portal or application, that you have a valid identification document and that you have the necessary means for digital validation.
In the end, the rule is simple: retirees have until September 15, 2026 to take the Proof of Life. Otherwise, pension payments may be suspended from November and will only be resumed after regularization.
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