Abono de família automático – automated social benefits in Portugal

Social Security is now proactively sending communication of the proposal to award the Family Allowance, as soon as the baby is registered at the maternity hospital. All the father or mother has to do is go to their Social Security Direct message area and confirm the proposal. With this confirmation, the Family Allowance is automatically awarded and no further action is required.

Innovation Summary

Innovation Overview

Family allowance is an essential social benefit in Portugal, with over 1 million beneficiaries, making it the second-largest support after pensions. However, the process for families to obtain this allowance has often been challenging. Families traditionally had to gather various documents and apply for the benefit after the child was born, which could be complicated and stressful, especially during such a significant life event.

To improve this process, the Institute of Social Security has automated the delivery of family allowances. By cross-referencing data from different institutions, social security can now automatically determine the amount of benefit a family is entitled to. Once the child is registered, families will receive an SMS with the proposed allowance, and they simply need to confirm their acceptance.

Currently, this system has been implemented for families that meet specific criteria, focusing on cases that are straightforward and clear. So far, it has successfully processed over 22,000 cases.

Innovation Description

What Makes Your Project Innovative?

This initiative is innovative for several reasons:
Proactive Service: Previously, families had to take the initiative to apply for benefits during a stressful time. Now, the government actively reaches out to eligible families, making the process more efficient and user-friendly. This allows families to concentrate on what truly matters during this important time.

Automation: The service has shifted from a manual, paperwork-based process to a technology-driven system. This change increases efficiency and enables the government to assist more families. The use of technology also allows for a huge potential impact on more than 1 million families.

Focus on Life Events: This initiative is centered around significant life events for families. Such moments are crucial times when government support is essential. By focusing on these events, the government aims to enhance citizens' trust in the system.

What is the current status of your innovation?

The innovation is currently in place. Criterion of nationality or valid stay in Portuguese territory very important. In most situations there is no need to go to the service centre. Universe where there are few doubts about the allowance.with some restrictions, such as:

The child and parents must have a national identity card.
The child and parents must live in Portugal.
The child must have been born in the last 6 months.
The child must belong to the parents' household or not be registered with another household.
At least one of the parents must have an account with Segurança Social Direta (SSD).
The parents must belong to the same household or have no other registered household.
Parents must be over 18 or aged 16 or over and under 18 with a married marital status.
Parents pay social security contributions;
Household in the 4th bracket.

Innovation Development

Collaborations & Partnerships

Collaborations were made with other entities to verify imporant data to make sur efamilies are eligible for the social benefit. An important organisation in this process is AMA, the Agency for the Modernisation of the Public Administration in Portugal, which coordenates data-sharing among government entities and which was a key player in this innovation.

At the same time, there was also a user-research with citizens which allowed to test the solution before it was implemented.

Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries

User Research: Surveys were conducted in hospitals and clinics for pregnant women, including the Hospital São João, the Maternal and Child Centre in Porto, and a clinic in Entrecampos, Lisbon, as well as 3 or 4 other care services. Technicians from the IT Institute visited these locations to assess how many people signed up and to test the SSD application. Additionally, SSD desks were set up in these centers to facilitate testing of the platform.

Innovation Reflections

Results, Outcomes & Impacts

This innovation has significantly reduced the time it takes for families to receive the family allowance, bringing the processing period down from 30 days to just 2 days.

Since the implementation of this streamlined process, 22,500 parents have benefited. For those without a social security account, the initiative also facilitated the creation of new accounts. Specifically, there were 15,300 requests submitted to set up accounts, and 7,200 of those requests were successfully accepted. This shows not only an increase in access to benefits but also a more efficient system that helps families receive the financial support they need without unnecessary delays.