Brazil Senate approves special retirement for health agents

The Federal Senate approved the constitutional amendment (PEC 14/2021) in two rounds on 14 July, with 73 votes in favour and one against. The amendment creates a differentiated retirement regime for Community Health Agents (ACS) and Agents of Endemic Combat (ACE). It sets a minimum retirement age of 57 for women and 60 for men, provided the worker has at least 25 years of contribution and effective service, with transition tables that gradually raise the age up to 2041.

The rules apply to both the Regime Próprio de Previdência Social (RPPS) and the Regime Geral de Previdência Social (RGPS), extend to indigenous health and sanitation agents, and prohibit temporary or outsourced contracts. The Union will provide complementary financial assistance to states, the Federal District and municipalities to offset the fiscal impact, which the Treasury estimates at roughly R$ 27‑28 billion over the next ten years (about R$ 3 billion annually). The government has signalled the possibility of an STF challenge, and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre postponed the formal promulgation at President Lula’s request. The Confederation of Municipalities warned the measure could cost municipalities up to R$ 70 billion.