Brazil's INSS clarifies disability and accident benefits, allowing retroactive payments

The National Institute of Social Security (INSS) in Brazil outlines four mandatory conditions for workers to receive the temporary disability benefit, known as auxílio‑doença. Applicants must be insured, have a minimum 12‑month contribution period (with exceptions for accidents or serious illnesses), be absent from work for more than 15 consecutive days, and provide medical proof of incapacity.

A 2021 ruling by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) now mandates that the accident benefit (auxílio‑acidente) begin the day after disability aid ends, eliminating previous delays. The decision also allows eligible workers to claim retroactive payments for up to five years, compensating for the period the benefit was withheld.