The new MB Way payment channel is available on the Social Security portal. Today (29 July), this option will also be extended to the Social Security mobile application (app).

The goal is to facilitate compliance by citizens and businesses, reducing the risk of delays and penalties.

"The introduction of MB Way as a new Social Security payment channel represents a significant step in the modernization of public services, bringing the State closer to the people, with simpler, faster solutions adapted to citizens' daily lives," stated Luís Farrajota, president of the Social Security Information Technology Institute, in a written statement sent to the Lusa news agency.

With these measures, the institute expects a reduction of approximately 70% in payments made in person at Social Security public service points (approximately 500,000 people).

Last year, more than 700,000 people visited a Social Security counter to pay their contributions, and this year, more than 200,000 visits have already been recorded.

Specifically, regarding domestic workers, payment via MB Way will be available on the Social Security portal starting Thursday.

The Social Security Information Technology Institute expects, therefore, a "total reduction in in-person payments at cash desks for this service."

Domestic workers can currently pay their Social Security contributions through ATM home banking and in person.

However, constraints have been identified in these methods, so the institute, led by Luís Farrajota, believes these difficulties "highlight the need for significant simplification, especially for this group of workers." "In 2024, payments made at the cash desk for these workers represented 30% of payments. This year, 2025, the situation remains the same," he adds.

Social Security payments via MB Way were scheduled to begin in 2026, but the Government decided to bring them forward, in light of the measures implemented to simplify the relationship with Social Security and the focus on digital services, which also reduces waiting times for in-person appointments.

At the end of April, the Minister of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security, Rosário Palma Ramalho, indicated that the digitalization program being implemented, called "People First," has enabled 450,000 people to withdraw from in-person services since January.

In the written note sent to Lusa, the minister emphasizes that "the new MB WAY payment option is another decisive step among several that will be taken this year" to facilitate the relationship with Social Security, and reiterates that the digital transformation program "is saving time for individuals and businesses."