INSS reports significant reduction in benefit waiting list

The Brazilian National Social Security Institute (INSS) has reported a significant reduction in its waiting list for benefit requests. As of August, the backlog fell to 1.282 million, a 59% decrease from the 3.073 million pending requests recorded at the start of the year. Notably, requests pending for more than 45 days dropped by 86%, falling from 1.882 million to 261,000.

Average processing times have also decreased, with the national average currently at 35 days. Specific timelines include 11 days for maternity leave, 30 days for disability benefits, and 33 days for retirements. While President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed intentions to eliminate the backlog, legal experts caution that speed must not compromise the quality of decisions or lead to improper denials.

In a separate regulatory update, the INSS has expanded access to disability benefits. Under new rules published in July 2026, 18 specific medical conditions—including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and high-risk pregnancy—now allow for benefits without the standard requirement of 12 minimum contributions. However, applicants must still maintain insured status and undergo medical evaluation to prove work incapacity.