Households that are having difficulties paying the rent of their houses will be able to count on an extra support from this week in Portugal. This is because the rent support, of up to 200 euros, detailed in Portugal's Mais Habitação (More Housing) scheme is being paid from Monday 29th May. In this initial phase, it will reach almost 35,000 beneficiaries, who will receive an average monthly value of 86,72 euros.
Those who receive the first payments of this 200 euro rental support will be the households that have exclusive income from Social Security, said a source from the Ministry of Housing in Portugal. In this first moment, the support will reach 34,937 beneficiaries, with the average monthly value of the support to be received being 86.72 euros, which is equivalent to 1,040.64 euros per year.
"Provided for in the "More Housing" programme, this is a direct income support. In this way, we support families and contribute to a fairer and more dignified housing market," pointed out the Prime Minister, António Costa, in a message published on the social network Twitter.
This support for rent in Portugal, it should be recalled, was created to mitigate the impact of the rise in prices and housing on household income, covering rental contracts signed until 15th March 2023 and registered on the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) portal.
The Prime Minister considers that this is "an important income protection measure for families most affected by the increase of rent", reminding that "the support is granted automatically, retroactive to January, and will be in force for five years".
Support for rent will reach 185 thousand households
Besides the families that receive income exclusively from Social Security (such as unemployment benefit, old age pension or social integration income), Portugal's rental support payments are also granted to those who meet certain conditions:
- Those with tax residence in Portugal
- Those with a lease or sub-lease contract for a main residence concluded before 15th March 2023 and registered in the Tax Office
- Those with an annual household income not exceeding the sixth income tax bracket of IRS (up to 38,632 euros)
- Effort rate equal to or greater than 35% of the annual income with the annual rent burden.
Although the exact number of households eligible for this rental support is not yet closed, the Government estimates that the rent support, which can go up to €200 (and retroactive to January), could reach 185,000 beneficiaries, it points out in a message shared on Instagram.
Note that the income support is unofficially attributed, without the need for a request. After this first survey of beneficiaries, the support will be paid by the 20th of each month, being paid every 6 months when its value is less than 20 euros per month.
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