Social Security services in Madeira are observing a gradual decrease in visitor numbers at their counters. The authority attributes this trend to the growing use of digital channels and remote assistance.
Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Work and Youth, Paula Margarido, highlighted this evolution during a visit to the Local Services of Santo António and Monte. In 2025, these two services handled over 14,300 appointments covering general services, social action, and home support.
The use of platforms such as Segurança Social Direta, e-Clic, telephone services, SIGA bookings, and the Contact Centre allows for more informational and administrative requests to be resolved remotely. This reduction in in-person demand enables counter resources to focus on cases requiring technical assessment and personalized support, according to the department.
Paula Margarido stated that digitalization does not replace proximity but allows for "dedicating more time to people who need in-person and personalized support." Madeira maintains a network of 40 in-person service points across the island's 11 municipalities.
