Brazil's INSS expands biometric ID requirement for benefit claims

The National Institute of Social Security (INSS) announced that, starting 21 November 2025, all new applications for retirement, assistance and the continuous benefit (BPC/Loas) must include a biometric registration linked to an official government database such as the National Identity Card, Voter Registration or Driver’s License. The rule, published in the Official Gazette, aims to reduce fraud and ensure payments reach the rightful recipients. Exemptions apply to people over 80, migrants, refugees, apatrides, Brazilians living abroad, individuals with health‑related mobility limits and residents of hard‑to‑access areas, as well as benefits such as maternity allowance, disability aid and death pensions.

The INSS also gave claimants a 30‑day deadline to resolve any missing biometric data, warning that requests may be archived if not corrected. A separate measure introduces automated proof‑of‑life checks that compare activity in government systems; beneficiaries lacking confirmation for about a year may receive a notification and have up to 60 days to comply before their payments are temporarily blocked.

In parallel, the institute confirmed that more than 650 000 retirees who suffered irregular deductions between 2020 and 2025 are eligible for a one‑time reimbursement of up to R$ 15 000, with payments already being processed. Labor unions have raised concerns about persistent delays, errors in the Social Security Registry (CNIS) and difficulties accessing benefits, prompting meetings with INSS officials to address these systemic issues.