Speed and “never seen” simplification of bureaucracy were the promises of the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, in the support created to respond to the crisis, also exceptional, caused by the train of storms that hit Portugal. On February 2, five days after Storm Kristin, the Government announced a framework of compensation measures, which are based on the principle of trust between the State and citizens, which have since been reinforced and made more flexible.
What is the value of support to compensate for damage caused by storms to homes?
Immediately, the Government announced support of up to 10 thousand euros. In the case of home repairs that cost only up to five thousand euros, the Government decided that families simply need to present photos or videos of the damage, eliminating the need for a technical inspection. But this requirement remains for works of higher value.
When will support start to be paid?
For the lowest repair values _ up to five thousand euros _, exempt from inspection, the State promises to transfer the money within a maximum period of three working days from the moment the application is made with the requested documents. If the application is not immediately accepted due to lack of all documents, it may be submitted a second time. For works worth up to 10 thousand euros, the subsidy will be paid within a maximum period of 15 days.
What is the payment method?
The State must transfer the amount to the support applicant’s bank account using the bank identification number (IBAN). But beneficiaries must have their tax and contribution situation regularized.
What support is there for people in need or who have suffered loss of income?
A monthly amount of 573 euros per person or, at most, 1075 euros per household was defined to help pay essential expenses. Support will last for a maximum of 12 months. The Government stated that this support will be paid by the end of February.
How and where to order?
The Government opened face-to-face service counters to support those who are unable to apply for support online. In total, available 275 counters in Espaços Cidadão and Lojas do Cidadãodistributed across the 68 municipalities in a state of calamity. And where these services do not exist, support is provided by 15 mobile units, all of which are already in operation. Anyone who wants to handle the processes on their own must submit the request for support on the electronic platforms created for this purpose (such as the CCDR Centro platform, the CCDR de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo and the CCDR Alentejo) or even submit a paper form available in the local authorities and which will be forwarded to the CCDR.
What if I can’t pay my mortgage?
The Government foresees a three-month moratorium on housing credit, with families having to contact their bank to request a suspension of payment, starting from January 28, 2026. After 90 days, there may be an extension of up to 12 months, in situations of more profound damage, but the amount will always have to be paid.
In what cases is there a refund to the State?
If there is an insurance contract that covers the risk in question, the beneficiaries must reimburse the State the value of the difference between the costs of the works and the amount that will be covered by the insurer, within 15 days of payment of the compensation by the insurer. Providing false declarations will also result in the refund of the total amount of support granted, plus late payment interest, which may result in criminal liability.
Is there a tolerance for the deadline for complying with tax obligations?
Yes. Taxpayers in disaster zones have one more month to comply with tax obligations without penalties. The Government also extended the toll exemption until February 15 in the most affected areas.
What support can companies use?
Companies can use two lines of credit for reconstruction and treasury financing, provided by Banco Português do Fomento.
They are exceptionally exempt from prior administrative controls on works, so that they can be accelerated, being subject to successive inspections in the urban and environmental domains.
They are exempt from Social Security contributions for a period and can join the simplified social security regime. layoff. You can also apply for an extraordinary financial incentive to maintain jobs on the IEFP portal
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