Segurança Social letter explained in English
Social security. Social security. It pays benefits such as unemployment, sickness and child benefit, and collects contributions.
Letters you may get
- Decisão — your benefit was approved, refused or changed
- Audiência prévia — they plan a decision and you can give your side first
- Restituição de prestações — benefits paid too much that you must give back
- Dívida de contribuições — unpaid contributions, for example as self-employed
What to do
- When you get an audiência prévia letter, answer within the deadline (often 10 working days) — it can change the final decision.
- Keep your details up to date in Segurança Social Direta.
- Find the deadline. Look for “prazo”, “até”, “data limite”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“reclamação graciosa”, “audiência prévia”, “defesa”, “oposição”, “impugnação”, “recurso”, “reclamação”). See the template.
Words you may see
- audiência prévia
- Your right to give your side before a final decision.
- Segurança Social Direta
- The social security website, where you can see letters, apply and object.
- restituição
- Paying back money you received but weren’t entitled to.
Questions
What is the Segurança Social?
Social security. Social security. It pays benefits such as unemployment, sickness and child benefit, and collects contributions.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Segurança Social?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “prazo”, “até”, “data limite” — they mark the deadline. In Portugal, a letter sent by registered post is usually treated as received on the third day after it was posted. Check if the deadline is in working days (dias úteis) or in calendar days. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“reclamação graciosa”, “audiência prévia”, “defesa”, “oposição”, “impugnação”, “recurso”, “reclamação”).
Can I read a Segurança Social letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Portuguese. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Portugal
Finanças / Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) · IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) · AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) · Câmara Municipal / Junta de Freguesia · Tribunal · Agente de execução · ANSR / PSP / GNR · Portagens (Via Verde / Infraestruturas de Portugal)