I lost my job.
Now what?

A free, step-by-step guide on what to do when you become unemployed in Portugal — benefits, deadlines, rights and more.

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Phase 1

First 72 hours

Register with IEFP, gather documents, obtain dismissal letter.

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Phase 2

First week

Apply for benefit, simulate amounts, check your rights.

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Phase 3

First month

Approval, employment plan, registration renewal.

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Phase 4

From month 2 on

Monthly renewals, training, social benefit, RSI.

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Tools

🧮
Calculate benefit How much you'll receive and for how long
💼
Calculate severance Compensation you're entitled to by law
✉️
Letter generator Dispute, declaration, complaint
📅
Deadline calendar Your personalised legal deadlines
✅
Checklist 19 tasks with saved progress
📞
Who to contact IEFP, Social Security, ACT, bank

Key figures 2026

€537.13
IAS (Social Support Index)
65%
Base unemployment benefit rate
€1,342.83
Maximum benefit (2.5× IAS)
€429.70
Social unemployment benefit (80% IAS)
90 days
Deadline to apply for benefit
60 days
Deadline to contest dismissal

Costly mistakes to avoid

Not applying for benefit within 90 days — you lose the right entirely.
Not renewing your IEFP registration monthly — benefit is suspended.
Signing a mutual termination agreement without negotiating — may block access to benefit.
Not contesting an unlawful dismissal within 60 days — this deadline is absolute.
Starting work without notifying Social Security — you may have to repay benefit.

Want to go deeper?

The complete guide in book format — all scenarios, all rights, practical cases.

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Note: This information is free, ad-free, and based on Portuguese legislation in force in 2026. It does not replace legal advice for complex situations.