Online Request Now Available for Extended Parental Leave in Portugal

It is no longer necessary to go to the Social Security offices in person to request the extended parental allowance. 

Starting this month, parents in Portugal can now request extended parental leave in Portugal online through the new Previdência Direta functionality. This service, which is part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), offers a simpler, faster, and more secure way for parents to request benefits without the need to visit a customer service center. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process and explain everything you need to know to make your request.

What is Extended Parental Leave in Portugal?

Extended parental leave is a benefit provided to parents, whether father, mother, or both, for a maximum duration of three months. It can be taken consecutively, alternately, or simultaneously. This allowance allows parents to spend more time caring for their child until the age of six.

The new online system aims to make the process more efficient and less time-consuming, giving parents the flexibility to apply for and manage their benefits online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting Extended Parental Leave Online

Step 1: Access Previdência. The first step is to log into the Previdência Direta platform. You can do this by visiting the official Social Security website. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one before proceeding.

Step 2: Navigate to the 'Family' Menu: Once logged in, go to the “family” menu on the dashboard. This section contains various options related to family benefits.

Step 3: Select the ‘Parenthood’ Option: In the “family” menu, select the “parenthood” option. This section is dedicated to all parental benefits, including the extended parental leave.

Step 4: Register Your Request: Click on the option that says “register request”. From there, choose “extended parental allowance”.

This will take you to the form where you will submit your application.

Step 5: Submit and Monitor Your Request: After completing the registration, you can submit your request for the extended parental leave.

The system will allow you to track the progress of your request through the platform. This is a convenient feature that keeps you informed without the need to follow up with Social Security directly.

What You Need to Know About the Extended Parental Allowance

The extended parental allowance provides a benefit to parents for a period of up to three months. It offers flexibility in how you take the leave—whether full-time, part-time, or alternately.

This benefit was developed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan to improve accessibility, reduce administrative delays, and ensure that parents can focus on what truly matters: spending time with their child during their formative years.

Recent Political Developments on Parental Leave

There have been ongoing discussions in Parliament about expanding parental leave. Recently, a proposal to increase the initial parental leave period was put forward but failed to gain approval due to the premature end of the legislature.

Despite this setback, citizens have continued to collect signatures to bring the proposal back to the table in the next legislature. Some political parties, including Bloco de Esquerda, PCP, Livre, and PAN, supported this extension, although the PSD, CDS, and PS voted against or abstained during the plenary discussion.

The Labour Minister, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, expressed concerns that further expanding parental leave could worsen gender inequality. This is because women still bear the majority of childcare responsibilities, which may negatively impact their career prospects in the job market.

Why You Should Use Previdência Direta

The implementation of Previdência Direta offers several advantages:

• Convenience: Apply from anywhere, at any time, without needing to visit a customer service center.

• Efficiency: Track your request's progress easily through the online system.

• Security: The new functionality offers a secure way to handle sensitive information related to parental benefits.

For parents who want to manage their parental leave efficiently, Previdência Direta is a valuable tool that simplifies the process.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Previdência Direta, the process of applying for extended parental leave has become more accessible and efficient. Parents can now complete the application online, track its status, and manage their benefits with ease.

If you’re a parent in Portugal, take advantage of this new functionality to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to in a streamlined manner. Keep an eye on the political developments as well, as the conversation around expanding parental leave may continue in the near future.

For more information on parental benefits or help navigating Previdência Direta, feel free to contact us.