Portugal's Disability Certification Crisis Leaves 95,400 in Limbo

Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) is facing severe delays in processing disability certification requests. Over 95,400 applications remain pending, leaving many patients without essential support. Officials admit the current response still falls short of meeting demand. By law, medical boards must complete disability assessments within 60 days of a request. Yet reassessments frequently drag on for more than a year. Without the official certificate, patients lose access to benefits and services.

The SNS executive board has taken steps to address the backlog. Teams have been reinforced to speed up the certification process. However, the sheer volume of cases continues to overwhelm the system.

Patients with a disability rating of 60% or higher qualify for various forms of assistance. But delays mean many remain in limbo, unable to claim what they are entitled to. The SNS recognises that efforts so far have not resolved the issue. Thousands still wait for assessments, while others face long delays for reassessments. Without faster processing, patients will keep missing out on vital support and benefits.