# Brazil judicial indemnity payment suspensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-judicial-indemnity-payment-suspensions
> Updated: 2026-08-15T22:35:06.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has expanded its oversight of judicial remuneration, with Minister Alexandre de Moraes suspending extra benefits, known as ‘penduricalhos’, in six states and the Federal District. The affected jurisdictions include Goiás, Maranhão, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia, and the Federal District. 

The suspension targets irregular payments that exceed constitutional limits, specifically citing preschool assistance, compensatory leave, and adoption allowances. Moraes has ordered the courts to identify recipients, arrange for the return of funds, and provide proof of compliance within five days. Furthermore, the Attorney General's Office (AGU) has been tasked with reporting members who received unauthorized amounts within 72 hours.

Individual magistrates have voiced significant opposition to these measures. Judge Mário Márcio de Almeida Sousa of the 8th Civil Court of São Luís issued an open letter describing the impact on his financial stability, noting his monthly net income dropped from approximately R$ 88,500 in February to R$ 41,600 in July. While acknowledging potential abuses in benefit payments, Sousa argued that these payments had become a predictable part of his income after 24 years of service. He has expressed deep distress over the loss and stated he is considering voluntary resignation due to the financial strain, calling upon the STF and the National Council of Justice (CNJ) to review what he perceives as excesses in these decisions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Brazil Supreme Court suspends extra payments for judges in six states

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has suspended irregular extra payments to judges in six states and the Federal District, leading some magistrates to consider resignation due to significant income losses.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-supreme-court-suspends-extra-payments-for-judges-in-six-states

### 2026-08-14: Judge Mário Márcio de Almeida Sousa criticizes STF salary cuts

A Brazilian judge has criticized the Supreme Federal Court (STF) after recent decisions reduced judicial benefits, causing a reported 20% drop in his monthly net income.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/judge-mrio-mrcio-de-almeida-sousa-criticizes-stf-salary-cuts

### 2026-08-13: Brazil Supreme Court suspends judicial indemnity payments

The Brazilian Supreme Court has suspended indemnity payments for magistrates in seven state courts, including Paraná, amid debates over constitutional salary ceilings.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-supreme-court-suspends-judicial-indemnity-payments

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Cite as: Brazil judicial indemnity payment suspensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-judicial-indemnity-payment-suspensions