Streamlined digitalisation of social security services minimising in-person meetings
Freshening Up the Scoop on Social Security Payments
Grabbing the spotlight in the world of Social Security are some game-changing measures, reducing traditional in-person appointments. One such move is extending payment validity from three to five days, and another is diversifying payment methods. By July, these shifts gain steam with the addition of MBWay as a payment option, according to the minister.
Despite a 450,000 service decrease between January and April 2020, over 60% of Social Security services are still provided in person. In the bigger picture, it's been stated that this government has revitalized dialogue within the Social Concertation.
Taking a step back and reviewing the past eleven months, Maria do Rosário Ramalho points out that the administration has worked tirelessly to reinstate dialogue as the heart of Social Concertation.
When it comes to labor legislation, she acknowledges that any changes, if they occur, will need consensus with social partners. However, post-election, it'll be up to the next Government to determine whether to continue this approach.
Moving forward, Maria do Rosário Ramalho underlines that while increasing the national minimum wage is crucial, it's equally important to create a path that values all wages and prevents the mean wage from plateauing.
In the context of Social Security, the system is thriving today, yet it's essential to look at long-term sustainability and the retirement trajectory, considering predictions of a lower replacement rate in the future. She reassures the public that the goal is to make sure everyone retires with an adequate pension.
"There's no need to sound the alarm," she explains, "but we need to lay the groundwork for a future where everyone gets a fair pension."
In the realm of Social Concertation, Maria do Rosário Ramalho demonstrates a commitment to foster dialogue, extending it to aspects like workplace wellness, health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and nutrition. She envisions this revitalized dialogue leading to therapies and treatments focused on maintaining health, ensuring a sustainable retirement trajectory for all citizens. Cognizant of the potential lower replacement rate in the future, the administration aims to implement policies that promote medically sound practices, such as diversifying payment options for Social Security like MBWay, and advocating for increased wages while preventing mean wage plateaus.
