Brazil: Rules for INSS sickness benefits and BPC social assistance

In Brazil, the rules for social security benefits such as sickness benefits (Benefício por Incapacidade Temporária) and the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) remain central to worker and social protection.

To qualify for sickness benefits through the INSS, workers must generally have made at least 12 monthly contributions. However, this requirement is waived in cases of professional diseases, accidents of any nature, or specific serious illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson's, or severe heart disease. There is a distinction between common sickness benefits and accident-related benefits, the latter being specifically for work-related conditions.

Regarding the BPC, the presence of other income in a household does not automatically result in the cancellation of the benefit. The government evaluates the average financial income per resident rather than the mere existence of extra income. For the BPC to be maintained, the per capita family income must remain within the limit of R$ 405.25. Multiple BPCs, pensions, or Bolsa Família benefits can coexist in the same household provided they belong to different family members and individual requirements are met. Regular updates to the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) are essential to ensure continued payments.