Accessing Social Security services

Some Social Security services can be done online through Segurança Social Direta (SSD) from your computer or smartphone.

1. Search for the service you want to use

To find out if the service you want to access can be done on the SSD, use the ePortugal search bar (at the top of this page) and search for the service. You can also search the Social Security portal for more information about the services.

All pages give information about the channels through which you can perform the services you will need. Social Security services that can be used online have a link to the SSD.

2. Choose a means of authentication

You can access Segurança Social Direta with one of the following tools:

• your Social Security Identification Number (NISS)*
• an activated Digital Mobile Key (CMD)
• a smartcard reader for your Citizen Card (in this case you will also need the card's authentication code).

*If you don’t have a Social Security Identification Number (NISS), please contact the social security hotline (+351 210545400 / +351 300502502, working days between 09:00 and 18:00).

If you prefer, you can book an appointment at the customer service centre by calling the appointment hotline (+351 210548888 / +351 300088888, working days between 09:00 and 18:00).

Is the service you are looking for any of these?

These are some of the services you can do through Segurança Social Direta:

• Apply for old-age pension
• Apply for child benefit
• Apply for parental allowance
• Issue a certificate proving that you have paid contributions
• Request a declaration of your Social Security contribution status.

If you prefer, you can also choose to be attended by videoconference at Social Security. Find out which services are available and make an appointment through:

• the SIGA appointment portal
• the Social Security Line - 210 545 400 / 300 502 502, weekdays, from 9am to 6pm.

When you book a video call, you will receive an email with instructions, the videoconference link, the validation code to enter and the cancellation link in case you are unable to attend.

Visit the Social Security portal for further information on support by video call or watch this instructional video.

Social Security services are provided at any Social Security desk, including the service points in the Citizens Shops. 

You do not have to book an appointment to attend an office in person, but you can book one if you prefer. Unscheduled face-to-face consultations are subject to the number of service tickets available each day.

You can do the following services without an appointment:

• treasury
• documents submission
• requests for declarations.

For the other services, you can book an appointment via:

• the SIGA platform (also available as a mobile application for Android and iOS)
• the Social Security Line: +351 210 545 400 / +351 300 502 502 (working days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

NB: If you are entitled to priority service, you do not need to make an appointment.

Visit the Social Security portal for further information on face-to-face service by appointment.

The Social Security Line (+351 210 545 400 / +351 300 502 502, working days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) provides general information on benefits, allowances, pensions, employees, employers, contributions, etc.

If you would like more specific information you may need to provide your Social Security Identification Number (NISS) and the security code for access to the Social Security Telephone Service.

To get this code, which provides authentication to the Social Security Line, log in to Segurança Social Direta and follow the steps below:

1. Select the ‘Perfil’ [Profile] area
2. Select the option ‘Contactos com a Segurança Social’ [Contact Social Security]
3. Click on ‘Código de acesso para atendimento telefónico’ [telephone service access code].

Visit the Social Security portal for more information on the services available over the Social Security Line.

You can use the e-Clic digital service desk to make requests to clarify doubts and to make complaints to Social Security. In addition, you can see all the requests that you have already submitted, and track their status.

You can access e-Clic via Social Security Direct (SSD), by signing in using one of the following methods:

• your Citizen Card;
• a Digital Mobile Key (CMD);
• your Social Security Identification Number and password.

In SSD, click on ‘perfil’ (‘profile’), then on ‘e-Clic - contactos’ (‘e-Clic – contacts’) to submit a request or find information.

Once you have submitted your request, you will be given a number (request ID). You can use this number to track the status of your request.

This video from Social Security explains how to submit a request and use the e-Clic service desk.