Brazil expands facial biometrics for social welfare benefit BPC

Starting in 2026 Brazil's government will require facial biometric verification for users of the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC), a monthly minimum‑wage payment for seniors and people with disabilities. The change, part of an intensified "pente‑fino" audit by the INSS, also tightens the medical documentation needed from disabled applicants and obliges beneficiaries to keep their Cadastro Único registration up to date. Officials say the measures aim to curb fraudulent claims and improve the accuracy of benefit allocation while maintaining access for eligible recipients.

The biometric feature will be integrated into the Meu INSS app and portal, allowing facial recognition for service requests, data updates, financial transaction authorisation and identity confirmation. More detailed medical reports, including diagnoses and functional limitations, will be required to assess eligibility for disabled claimants. Failure to update CadÚnico information or comply with the new procedures may result in suspension of the benefit.