Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly: requirements, amounts and how to apply
How many stories have we heard of people who reach retirement and the money simply isn’t enough? After a lifetime of work, the bills, the rent, the medication and even the groceries weigh more heavily than they should. It is not a lack of effort; it is the reality of low incomes and expenses that never take a holiday. That is why there are responses such as the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (Complemento Solidário para Idosos, CSI), so that dignity is not lost and the end of the month stops being a fright. Read our article on support for the elderly to learn about the others.
Key points of the article
- The CSI is a monthly benefit that boosts the income of elderly people with limited resources and tackles poverty in old age
- Who is entitled: the standard retirement age (66 years and 7 months in 2025), residence in Portugal for at least 6 years and an assessment of the means condition (of the applicant and spouse/partner)
- Calculation: the difference between the annual reference value and the annual income taken into account, divided by 12 (up to the monthly ceiling)
- Additional benefits: subsidised medicines with no co-payment, social tariffs for electricity and gas (automatic), social internet and, depending on the municipality, the social water tariff and Social Travel Pass
- How to apply: form and documents via Segurança Social Direta (the Social Security online portal) or at a counter.
What the CSI is and what it is for
The Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) is a monthly benefit paid by Segurança Social (Social Security), which supplements the pension of elderly people with fewer means. In 2025, this supplement rose to 630 euros; around 221,000 people benefit from the CSI.
Reference values by year
Annual calculation base and monthly ceiling (2015–2025)
| Year | Reference value (€/year) | Max. monthly (€/month) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 4 909.00 | 409.08 |
| 2016 | 5 059.00 | 421.58 |
| 2017 | 5 084.30 | 423.69 |
| 2018 | 5 175.82 | 431.32 |
| 2019 | 5 258.63 | 438.22 |
| 2020 | 5 258.63 | 438.22 |
| 2021 | 5 258.63 | 438.22 |
| 2022 | 5 258.63 | 438.22 |
| 2023 | 5 858.63 | 488.22 |
| 2024 (Jun) | 7 208.00 | 600.67 |
| 2025 | 7 568.00 | 630.67 |
Aim of tackling poverty in old age
This supplement exists to protect those who, at a more vulnerable stage, see their budget shrink. When everyday bills get tight and there are still the medicines and, often, the care home or day centre to add on, this support helps to ease the monthly burden.
Additional benefits (medicines and social tariffs)
Beneficiaries also have free access to medicines, simply by presenting the relevant medical prescription at a pharmacy. They can then collect their medicines without any amount to pay. The Social Security website provides relevant information on additional health benefits.
Electricity Social Tariff
The average discount is 33.8% (excluding charges/taxes) on the electricity grid access tariff.
Natural Gas Social Tariff
The average discount is 31.2% (excluding charges/taxes) on the natural gas grid access tariff, intended for economically vulnerable customers.
Water Social Tariff
A discount (or even exemption) on water supply and sanitation bills for low-income households. The rules are set by each municipality, so eligibility and the process vary from council to council and are not always automatic.
Internet Provision
A broadband plan (fixed or mobile) at a reduced price, set according to the household’s income and/or special needs, to ensure internet access for those with fewer resources.
Passe Social+ (Social Travel Pass+)
A 50% reduction in the price of transport tickets for beneficiaries of the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI).
Who is entitled to the CSI
But who, in the end, is entitled to this support?
The answer is simple, and can be found on the Gov.pt website. The supplement is granted to elderly people, with low resources, aged at or above the retirement age (66 years and 7 months) and who have resided in Portugal for at least 6 years.
Eligible pensions and the authorisations required
According to Segurança Social, pensioners can apply for this support on the grounds of old age, survivors’ or disability pensions. However, if you receive the Social Inclusion Benefit (Prestação Social para a Inclusão), you cannot benefit from the CSI.
Authorisation from Segurança Social is required, which will check the tax and bank information of both the applicant and their spouse (including a de facto partnership).
Income limits and how the amount is calculated
As we saw earlier, not everyone is eligible to receive this type of support; the annual income of the person applying is taken into account, whether the person is single, married or in a de facto partnership.
Income taken into account (work, pensions, capital, support from family)
When applying for the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI), Segurança Social assesses the household’s resources.
Means condition — CSI / benefits (2025)
Limits, income that counts and assets
| Topic | How it is assessed | Values / Rules (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual resource limits | Comparison between the household’s annual income and the legal limits. |
7 568 € (single person) 13 244 € (couple/de facto partnership) |
If income exceeds these limits, there is no entitlement to the CSI. |
| Income that counts | Sum of the income subject to assessment. | Work, pensions, property (rent), capital (interest, dividends, etc.). | Gross/annual values are considered in line with Segurança Social rules. |
| Movable assets | Where relevant, an imputed value is applied. | 5% of the total value of movable assets if that amount is higher than the declared capital income. | E.g.: deposits, shares, bonds, certificates. |
| Immovable assets | Imputed value on properties other than the family home. | 5% of the rateable value (VPT) of properties, excluding the permanent home. | Land, second homes, shops, etc. |
| Who is included in the calculation (means condition) | People whose income/assets are taken into account. | Since 2024, only the applicant and spouse/de facto partner. | Children’s income is no longer counted. |
Calculation of the monthly amount and brackets (examples)
The monthly CSI = (Annual reference value – annual income taken into account) / 12, up to a maximum of 630.67 euros/month (single person).
Examples:
With no income: you receive 630.67 euros/month.
With 4,800 euros/year in income: you receive 230.67 euros/month.
For couples, the household’s resources are calculated to check eligibility and work out the supplement due, respecting the couple’s annual ceiling.
How to apply for the solidarity supplement
Documents required and where to submit them
- Identification (Citizen Card/ID and tax number) of the applicant and spouse/de facto partner
- Proof of residence (where applicable) and any income/asset documents.
Submit at a counter, by post or online via Segurança Social Direta.
Step-by-step application procedure
- Confirm that you meet the requirements, such as: age, residence and resource limits
- Gather the documents and fill in the CSI 1/2025 form (and income annexes)
- Submit online (Segurança Social Direta – e-Clic) or at a service counter
- Wait for the assessment (there may be requests for clarification). Payment generally begins in the month following the complete application.
Other useful information and frequently asked questions
Compatibility with other social benefits
The CSI can be combined with various pensions (old age, survivors’, some disability) and the Dependency Supplement (Complemento por Dependência), among others, but not with the Social Inclusion Benefit (Prestação Social para a Inclusão).
Additional rights and associated benefits
Subsidised medicines with an immediate discount at the pharmacy (0 euros of patient co-payment)
Glasses/lenses and removable dentures with partial reimbursement (set limits)
Electricity and Gas Social Tariff (granted automatically, average discounts of 33.8% and 31.2% in 2025)
Internet Social Tariff (direct eligibility for CSI beneficiaries)
Water Social Tariff: available in many municipalities, with local rules — check with yours.
Updating income and annual review
The application does not need to be submitted every year; however, any changes (household, income, residence) must be reported within 15 working days. The CSI is reviewed when there are relevant changes; keeping the entitlement requires meeting the criteria on an ongoing basis. Failure to report these changes may result in this support being lost.
Recent changes to the CSI in 2025
Increase in the reference value: +30 euros, to 630.67 euros/month (since January 2025)
Online application available via Segurança Social Direta (e-Clic)
Means condition: consolidation of the rules that consider only the income of the applicant and spouse/de facto partner.
Annual recalculation and the impact of income changes
With each update to income (e.g.: a new pension, work, deposits, properties) the CSI amount may increase, decrease or cease. Remember that financial and property assets are included in the assessment (with 5% imputation rules where applicable). Inform Segurança Social whenever there are changes.
The CSI is a pillar of protection in old age: it guarantees a minimum monthly income, reduces health expenses and activates essential social tariffs. If you have doubts about your eligibility or the estimated amount, gather the documentation and make your application — the services will confirm your details and work out the supplement due.
The contents of this blog are informative. They do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a health professional.
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