How this works
The calculation has three parts. First the reference pay (RR): the daily average of your salaries over the 12 oldest of the last 14 months, holiday and Christmas bonuses included, divided by 360. Then apply 65% and multiply by 30 for the monthly figure. Finally check the limits: never below 1 IAS (€537.13), never above 2.5 IAS (€1,342.83), and — if the salaries used are at or above the minimum wage (€920 in 2026) — never below 1.15 IAS (€617.70). After 180 days the amount drops 10%, but never below 1 IAS.
- 1
Enter your average monthly pay
Use the gross monthly average of the 12 oldest of your last 14 months, with the holiday and Christmas bonus share included.
- 2
Age and months of contributions
Age sets your bracket; months of contributions set the base days plus career top-ups.
- 3
Read the amount and duration
You see the monthly benefit for the first 180 days, the reduced amount after that, and the estimated duration in days and months.
Frequently asked
How is the reference pay (RR) calculated?
You add the gross pay of the 12 oldest of the last 14 months before unemployment — including the holiday and Christmas bonuses — and divide by 360. That is the daily RR. The daily benefit is 65% of it; the monthly figure multiplies by 30. Social Security worked example: €14,000 over 12 months ÷ 360 = €38.89/day; 38.89 × 30 × 0.65 = €758.36/month.
Does the benefit really drop 10% after six months?
Yes, but with safeguards. Under the law (DL 220/2006, amended by DL 53-A/2017), the daily amount is cut 10% after 180 days of payment. The cut only hits benefits above 1 IAS (€537.13) and can never push the benefit below that figure. People near the minimum get no cut, or a smaller one.
How long does the benefit last?
It depends on age and months of contributions. The base runs from 150 days (under 30, short record) to 540 days (40+, long record), plus extra for each 5 years of contributions in the last 20: +30 days up to 39, +45 from 40 to 49, +60 from 50. The tool shows your bracket. People unemployed before April 2012 may qualify for longer periods (Quadro II of the guide).
Why does my figure differ from Segurança Social’s?
This estimates the gross amount. The real figure can change because of: the 75%-of-net-RR cap (after social security and income tax); 10% top-ups for single-parent families or couples both unemployed with children; any pension you receive; and rounding. For the official number use the simulator inside Segurança Social Direta.
Who qualifies for unemployment benefit?
Anyone who lost their job involuntarily, lives in Portugal, is registered at the job centre and has at least 360 days of employee contributions in the 24 months before unemployment. You must apply within 90 days of becoming unemployed.
DISCLAIMER
A gross-amount estimate using the 2026 rules and figures. It does not apply the 75%-of-net-RR cap, 10% family top-ups, pensions or special cases, and may differ from the official calculation. It is not Segurança Social’s decision, nor advice. For a binding figure, use Segurança Social Direta.