Segurança Social (Social Security) will pay an annual pension supplement to eligible former combatants in October, according to MHD. The payment is automatic for recognised beneficiaries and arrives with their pension.
The benefit, described as the Suplemento e Complemento Especial de Pensão, has a higher calculation rate in 2026. A further increase is scheduled for 2027.
How the Payment Works
The payment is made once a year and applies to pensions under the contributory and social schemes. Beneficiaries do not need to submit a new request at this stage.
MHD reports that the annual payment brings together 14 monthly instalments in a single transfer.
The article describes the support as intended for former combatants receiving a rural pension, social pension or Prestação Social para a Inclusão. It supplements the income of people with lower pensions.
Pension and Service Conditions
For the Complemento Especial de Pensão, MHD lists two conditions that must both be met. The beneficiary must receive a social old-age pension, a pension under the special agricultural activities scheme or a pension under the transitional rural scheme.
They must also request certification of military service performed in conditions of difficulty or danger. The Ministério da Defesa Nacional (Ministry of National Defence) communicates the result by email. Without this certification, entitlement is not fully recognised.
Higher Rates in 2026 and 2027
According to the ISS, the amount depends on total military service and the years served in particularly difficult or dangerous conditions.
The calculation applies a percentage of the social pension value for each year of military service. Law No. 73-A/2025 raised this rate from 7% to 10.5%, an increase of 3.5 percentage points, introduced in two equal stages.
In 2026, the rate is 8.75%. The calculation uses the 2026 social pension value of 262.40 euros, multiplied by that rate and the years of service.
In 2027, the full 10.5% rate will apply to that year's social pension value and the years of service.
Source: MHD: “Segurança Social paga em Outubro um suplemento aos portugueses que reúnem estas condições”, published 6 Oct 2026.
