The Government has approved a set of exceptional and temporary measures in response to the effects of Storm Kristin, which affected several municipalities across the national territory. These measures aim to protect populations, support affected families and businesses, and ensure immediate social and economic responses.
Among the range of extraordinary social support measures are, namely:
- Support for Families and Citizens
Direct support for families
The granting of occasional or exceptional subsidies, in cash or in kind, to families facing economic hardship or loss of income due to the storm.
The amount of the subsidy is determined on a case-by-case basis by Social Security services, with a limit of €1,074.26 per household member, paid in up to 12 monthly instalments.
Support for primary and permanent housing
Support for the repair, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of primary and permanent housing, up to €10,000.
Temporary rehousing expenses are considered eligible when duly justified by the impossibility of using the affected home.
Additionally, IFRRU provides credit lines for costs not covered by the public grant for necessary works and interventions.
Exemptions
Total or partial exemption from the payment of Social Security contributions for a period of up to 6 months — extendable for an equal period in the case of total exemption — or up to 1 year in the case of a partial exemption of 50% of the employer’s contribution rate.
Support for Social Institutions
Financial support for Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and equivalent entities that provide essential services (children, elderly people, youth, people with disabilities, victims of violence, homeless people) in affected areas.
Support for Employment and Economic Activity
Adoption of labour and economic measures, including:
1. A simplified Lay-off scheme (reduction or suspension of activity) for companies in a proven situation of business crisis, with exemption from the procedural obligations provided by law.
2. Support from IEFP in the areas of employment and vocational training for employed and self-employed workers:
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Extraordinary financial incentive to maintain jobs, intended to cover employers’ wage obligations affected by the damage caused by the storm;
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Extraordinary financial incentive for self-employed workers;
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Priority access to active employment measures;
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An extraordinary Qualification and Vocational Training Plan aimed at supporting workers covered by these support measures.
Tax moratoriums
Applicable to taxpayers headquartered in affected municipalities, as well as Accountants headquartered in those municipalities. Extension of deadlines for fulfilling tax obligations between January 28 and March 31. These may be fulfilled until April 30.
Moratoriums on bank loans
Applicable to bank loans related to primary and permanent housing, as well as to companies and other legal entities in areas covered by the state of calamity.
The moratoriums apply for a period of 90 days, starting on January 28, 2026.
A selective 12-month moratorium regime will be developed in collaboration with the Bank of Portugal and the Portuguese Banking Association (APB) for situations involving more severe damage.
Credit Lines
Within the scope of Banco Português de Fomento, the following will be established, namely:
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A treasury credit line, aimed at supporting immediate liquidity and cash flow needs;
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An investment credit line for recovery and reconstruction, aimed at supporting rebuilding efforts resulting from damage caused by storms and climatic phenomena.
