Storm Kristin: State and bank support
Storm Kristin hit Portugal at the end of January 2026. Discover the State and bank support announced at that time and how you could benefit from them.The Kristin storm hit Portugal at the end of January 2026. In this article, we introduce you to the support announced by the Government and banks at that time and how you could benefit from them.
1. Support for housing recovery up to €10,000
In addition to all the support and operational intervention on the ground, the Government created a financial support of up to €10,000 for the reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of owner-occupied and permanent housing damaged by the Kristin storm.
Who is it for:
- Families and individuals with damage to owner-occupied and permanent housing
- Situations without insurance coverage, without the need for documentation, subject to inspection by the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) and local authorities
- Includes eligible expenses for temporary relocation
- Housing located in areas declared as disaster zones
How to apply:
- The beneficiary presents a budget and photographs, which will be validated by the CCDR and local authorities
- Submission of the electronic form through the CCDR
- If you need help filling out the form, you can request support at the City Hall
2. Insurers respond faster
"There are conditions for 80% of the inspections or assessments necessary for insurance claims to be activated or to occur within the next 15 days," assured Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion.
In many cases, a photographic record will be sufficient for the insurer to give the green light to proceed immediately with repairs.
3. Mortgage moratorium
This is a measure announced by the Government, which allows for the temporary suspension of mortgage payments, easing the family budget.
The moratorium began on January 28, 2026, for 90 days (Decree-Law No. 31-B/2026). In May, Decree-Law No. 98/2026 extended it for another 12 months, starting from April 29, 2026, for those with a mortgage on owner-occupied and permanent housing in one of the affected municipalities. Talk to your bank to confirm if you are covered.
Who is it for:
- People with owner-occupied and permanent housing affected by the storm
How to apply:
- Contact the bank to activate the moratorium, a measure coordinated between the Government, banks, and insurers
Note: The moratorium can be an effective solution at the moment to reduce the burden of monthly payments on the family budget. However, it is important to understand that the amount not paid during this period does not disappear, it is added in some way to the mortgage. How? The loan term is extended, increasing the total cost of the mortgage; or the term remains the same, but with the necessary adjustment of payments.
4. Credit for repairs and replacing goods
After the storm, several banks launched credit lines with special conditions, for a limited time. Conditions vary from bank to bank; before deciding, compare the TAEG and MTIC in the information sheet of each proposal.
We know that each situation is specific and that, in addition to the measures presented here, there are other supports and strategies that may suit your current situation.
Stay safe,
We come to you.
Article by CrediSegur (CRRF – Brokerage, Lda.), a tied credit intermediary registered with Banco de Portugal under no. 0001290. We present proposals from the banks with whom we have a binding contract, identified in the Consumer Information, and we do not provide consulting services. Insurance agent registered with ASF under no. 421571530.
