In a statement released today, the Ponta Delgada City Council states that the application period for the program is open until 28 February, "integrating the strategic priorities of the municipal executive for 2026, which will continue to focus on the housing sector."

Quoted in the statement, the mayor of Ponta Delgada, Pedro Nascimento Cabral, mentions that the program has allowed "a response to situations of particular vulnerability, but also to many of those who, seeking to reside, work and establish their roots in Ponta Delgada, have faced difficulties in affording rent."

Pedro Nascimento Cabral (PSD) recalls that the changes to the regulations took into account the difficulties in accessing and maintaining housing experienced nationwide, resulting from "inflation, real estate pressure and the increase in the cost of living".

According to the municipality of São Miguel Island, financial support for rent payments is now determined based on per capita income, taking into account fixed expenses – in addition to water, electricity, gas and health expenses – expenses for landline telephone and internet, education, childcare, elderly and disability support services, transport passes and mandatory insurance.

The new program also made it possible to increase support by around 15 percent for young people up to 35 years old living in shared accommodation, families with people aged 65 or over, households with people with 60 percent or more disability, victims of domestic violence and single-parent families.

Regarding housing, the municipality notes that it is constructing 102 homes, representing an investment of over €19 million, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the 1st Right - Housing Access Support Program.

The Housing Rental Support regulations are available at https://pontadelgada.city/ApoioHabitacional.