Brazil INSS releases R$874 million to 149,500 artisanal fishermen

Around 149,500 artisanal fishermen will receive a one‑time payment of approximately R$874.5 million on 7 July, as the Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) authorises the disbursement of the Seguro‑Defeso benefits. The funds cover entitlement periods for the fishing‑off season (defeso) that occurred before 2026.

The payment is possible under Law No 15.399, published on 4 May 2026, which allowed an exceptional release of benefits for approved claims. The operation was jointly carried out by the INSS, the Ministries of Social Security and Labour, and Dataprev, which provided the necessary technological support. Eligible workers—those who applied within the legal deadline, met all requirements and had their requests approved—can check the payment status through the Carteira de Trabalho Digital app or the Portal Emprega Brasil. Pending applications will continue to be processed, and beneficiaries will be added to subsequent payment batches as approvals are completed.