Portugal raises funeral allowance for stillbirths, minors, and disabled with no work income.

Portugal's Government approved, in a Council of Ministers meeting on April 9, a Decree-Law that raises the funeral allowance awarded in cases of stillbirths, minors, and people with permanent and total incapacity to work. The measure strengthens social protection for families facing particularly difficult circumstances. The Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, said the new legal instrument provides a fairer and more adequate response and corrects a discrimination previously in the law, adding that it also ensures access to the entire refund of funeral expenses. As a result, the subsidy increases from 268.57 euros to 1,611.39 euros, aligning it with the amount already available where there is a contributory career. The measure covers minors, stillbirths, and recipients of disability benefits with no work income. The Government emphasizes the principle of equity in access to social benefits and a more just response in times of special family suffering.