Family Allowance is an initiative paid monthly by Social Security to assist families in need with education and general care costs for children and young people.

However, not all families are entitled to the benefit. This is because household income is the main element taken into consideration.

So, we will help you understand what Family Allowance is, what the most important rules are and what amount you are entitled to receive. Let's go?

Firstly, both young people and children residing in Portugal, as well as those treated as residents, are entitled to receive the benefit. This way, any child up to 16 years old can receive it.

However, if a young person over that age is studying, they can continue with the benefit until they are 24 years old. On the other hand, in the case of children and young people with disabilities, the limit is 24 years old without the need to be studying!

From this age onwards, only those in higher education can receive the allowance. So, in this case, the duration is up to 27 years.

Furthermore, if an illness or accident affects the young person and prevents them from studying, the age limit of the allowance can be extended for another three years, subject to medical confirmation. 

In fact, with the exception of work during school holidays, the young person cannot be working to receive the benefit.

In addition, all young people with or without disabilities who need to be studying to receive the benefit must take an annual online test at Social Security Direct.

Furthermore, the benefit amount will depend on which of the five income brackets the household falls into. Shall we check this information in more depth?

Firstly, to calculate your income you must add the annual income values of your family members, divide by the number of children and young people entitled to the benefit and add one.

So, with this result, check which level your income is in:

Using this calculation and taking into account the child's age, see what amount of benefit they are entitled to. Therefore, if you are in the fifth tier, you are not entitled to the benefit! 

Furthermore, the benefit is increased in cases of single parenthood and in families with more than two children up to 36 months old. So, if this is your case, it is important to check the values on the Social Security website.

Requesting the Allowance is very simple. You can do everything online through Social Security Direct. So, just send some scanned documents and fill out the form.

So, click on the link below to check out a step-by-step guide to help you request your benefit!