Families experiencing difficulties meeting their rental costs began receiving extra support at the end of May. The number of families receiving this support, outlined in the “Mais Habitação” program, will increase during the remainder of this month.

The government has forecasted that more than 186 000 households will be eligible to receive the monthly subsidy to help support with rental costs, which is hoped to help mitigate the impact the rising cost of living and housing has had on family income.

The Housing Ministry said that in addition to the first payments, which have been made to 34 937 beneficiaries that receive income exclusively through social security (32 115 households), 169 367 more beneficiaries will begin receiving support by the end of the month.


State aid


The ministry, headed by Marina Gonçalves, added that the average monthly value of the support already being provided was €86.72, which increased by an average of €100 for the 154 212 families that will now receive state aid.

In a note sent to newsrooms, it was stated: "This support takes effect from 1 January 2023, so in the first payment retroactive values are transferred to the months of 2023 in which the eligibility requirements are met. Families will now begin to be notified by the Tax Authority, with the data that led to the calculation of the support, and to receive it is mandatory to have the IBAN updated either in the Tax Authority or in the Social Security Direct."

A measure integrated in the “Mais Habitação” program aims to support families with an effort rate for rent exceeding 35%, up to the maximum limit of the sixth IRS tax bracket, or those receiving €38,632 of annual taxable income, and with a rental contract or sublease for permanent housing.

This support has a maximum monthly limit of €200 for a period of five years and that "corresponds to the difference between the real effort rate and the maximum effort rate of 35%", states the executive.

The amount will be granted by the Housing and Urban Rehabilitation Institute (IHRU) and paid through Social Security. The payment will be granted automatically each month, with the fiscal situation of each family receiving the support to be reassessed at the end of each year.