The Portuguese Labour Party (PTP) has called on the Regional Government to clarify whether residents without their own bank accounts can receive reimbursements through Madeira’s Territorial Continuity Mechanism, formerly known as the Social Mobility Allowance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party claimed that some beneficiaries are being prevented from completing applications because they cannot provide proof of an IBAN for an account held solely in their name.
According to the PTP, the requirement arises from the platform’s internal procedures under Ordinance No. 138/2025/1.
The party said the problem particularly affects elderly residents who receive their pensions through CTT postal orders, as well as people receiving low-income social benefits.
Although there have been suggestions that reimbursements may be available in cash, the PTP claims that the present system does not offer beneficiaries an alternative through cash payment or collection from a CTT branch. Clarification from the Regional Government is therefore needed over exactly which payment methods are available and under what circumstances.
“It is unacceptable that citizens with a recognised right to this support should be excluded simply because they do not have, or are unable to manage, a bank account in their own name,” said PTP leader Raquel Coelho. “It is the poorest and oldest residents who are being penalised the most.”
The PTP is calling for an urgent alternative payment procedure and wants applications to be capable of validation through an authorised representative or close family member.
The Regional Government has also been asked to clarify whether people without a personal bank account can receive their reimbursement in cash and, if so, how they should apply.
However, when reading the comments section, one person stated that they had received a cash reimbursement.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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