INSs

The Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) is a Brazilian federal government agency responsible for administering the country’s social security program. It manages the provision of retirement, disability, sickness, maternity, and survivor benefits to workers and their dependents, as well as related social security services.

The INSS finances and operates the Previdência Social through contributions from workers, employers, and self‑employed individuals, along with government funding for specific programs. It maintains records of contributions in the CNIS (Cadastro Nacional de Informações Sociais) and determines eligibility and benefit amounts based on the insured person’s contribution history and earnings, within statutory limits.

Key benefits administered by the INSS include retirement (by time de contribuição or by age), retirement due to invalidity, auxílio‑doença (sick pay), salário‑maternidade (maternity benefit), pensão por morte (survivors’ pension), and auxílio‑reclusão (for dependents of incarcerated beneficiaries). The INSS also administers the Benefício de Prestação Contínua (BPC) for low‑income elderly or disabled individuals under LOAS, funded by the government rather than contributors.

Eligibility and calculation depend on factors such as duration of contributions, age, and the applicable rules in force at the time. Benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of the average contributing salaries, subject to a maximum limit known as the teto do INSS. Applications are commonly submitted through the Meu INSS online portal or at INSS regional offices.

The INSS operates within the Brazilian social security framework and is overseen by the federal government, coordinating with other agencies on social protection and retirement policy.