Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, heard by the parliamentary committee on Labour, Social Security and Inclusion, described the measures the Government has adopted in the areas of family, social inclusion, and the social economy, with a focus on strengthening social benefits and expanding support for all ages.

In the fight against poverty, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho noted the third increase in the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI), set at €670 per month, and the simplification of access to this benefit.

Expanding CSI beneficiary base

According to the Minister, key achievements in 2024 include expanding the CSI beneficiary base by €100,000 (a 72% increase) and providing free medication to 237,000 people.

Turning to family policy, the government official highlighted the addition of 16,866 places in the Creche Feliz program, noting the program now covers more than 128,000 children. She also mentioned the start of implementing the Action Plan of the Single Strategy for the Rights of Children and Young People 2025-2035.

She mentioned the increase in pensions and the allocation of an extraordinary supplement to the lowest pensions, totalling €399 million.

Additionally, she noted two milestones: the approval of the statute for the elderly and the implementation of the SAD+ Saúde pilot project, supporting elderly and dependent individuals at home.

The Minister emphasised support for vulnerable people through the creation of intermediate care units and beds. Over 400 beds are planned, and 358 are ready to become operational. This will help reduce pressure on social beds in hospitals, which are used by patients who have been discharged but remain hospitalised due to a lack of social support.

Regarding informal caregivers, she noted that the support subsidy is no longer an obstacle to accessing other benefits, and that the Caregiver Grant has been created, adding that 13,470 more caregivers have become eligible for the grant since 2025.

She went on to mention the approval of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Its action plan includes 150 measures starting this month. She also announced new calls for applications for temporary accommodation.

In addition, in the area of social economy, he highlighted the increased funding for the social and solidarity sector, with an increase of €220 million in the agreement signed for 2025-2026 and an addendum signed last week that provides for a further €218 million for 2026, totalling an increase of €440 million. Furthermore, the Minister also highlighted the financial recovery of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, whose 2025 report and accounts show a positive result of €43.6 million, "the best in 17 years," in contrast to the 2023 result.