Brazil's INSS updates unemployment insurance benefits and biometric rules

The federal government announced that the unemployment insurance (Seguro‑Desemprego) will have a new maximum parcel of R$ 2,518.65 in 2026, with a floor of R$ 1,621. Eligibility requires dismissal without cause, unemployment at the time of request, and a minimum contribution period that varies with the number of previous claims. Applications can be submitted digitally via the Carteira de Trabalho Digital app.

The National Institute of Social Security (INSS) will also disburse approximately R$ 874.5 million in a single payment to about 149,500 artisanal fishers for defeso benefits authorized by Law 15.399. Additionally, more than 656,000 retirees and pensioners may receive refunds of incorrectly deducted amounts, pending formal acceptance of a government restitution agreement.

From 2026 onward, INSS will require facial‑recognition biometrics for the annual proof‑of‑life process, aiming to enhance security and reduce fraud. Beneficiaries are advised to keep their registration data and associated apps up‑to‑date.