Tiago Petinga / Lusa
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro
The measure was promised to the European Commission four years ago and should come into force by August. If it doesn’t move forward, Portugal risks losing 500 million euros from the PRR.
Luís Montenegro announced Thursday night, in the district of Leiria, that the Government will approve this Friday, in the Council of Ministers, the Single Social Benefitpromised four years ago to the European Commission.
As you intend join under the same access conditions 13 social benefits, including the Social Insertion Income (RSI), were included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
In a campaign campaign for the PSD leaders in Ansião, the social democratic leader and prime minister highlighted that the Government is deciding, fulfilling its obligation, “so the forces with parliamentary representation also have this spirit” and subject themselves at the end of their term to be judged.
The measure comes under strong pressure due to the risk of Portugal lose 500 million euros of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) if the new provision is not in force by August, a deadline agreed with Brussels four years ago.
Among the main novelties of the PSU is the introduction of obligation to carry out “social work” for benefit recipients. According to a government source heard by , the measure will apply to current and future beneficiaries covered by the new benefit and the support integrated into it, but excludes pensioners and children.
The Executive did not detail, however, what this “social work” will consist of, remaining open will involve volunteeringcollaboration with Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) or other activities without contractual ties.
The reform was initially included in the PRR by former prime minister António Costa, foreseeing the merger of at least eight social benefits. The new model, now extended to 13 supports, must include the Social Insertion Income (RSI), social unemployment benefit and social old-age and disability pensions. The final list of benefits covered has not yet been released.
The measure brings the Government closer to the proposals defended by Chega, a party that has defended mandatory community work or public utility services for RSI beneficiaries. With the need for parliamentary approval, the Executive will be able to depend on the support of the bench led by André Ventura to guarantee the reform’s entry into force within the deadline required by Brussels.
In addition to the “social work” component, the Government intends to create incentives for integration into the labor marketthrough mechanisms that reduce the impact of loss of income when a beneficiary starts working. The Executive also wants to review the capitation rules for major dependents, avoiding penalties for families in which one of the members enters the job market.
