Recently, the National Social Security Institute (INSS) informed about a new security rule: the requirement for biometric registration for the granting of certain benefits. This measure will be applied to requests for retirement, Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC), and aid for imprisonment, which may require biometric identification before the analysis process is finalized.
With the publication of an ordinance in the Official Gazette of the Union, a period of 30 days was set for insured individuals who do not yet have biometric registration to regularize their registration, with specified exceptions.
The initiative aims to increase the security of the social security system, combating fraud and preventing unauthorized individuals from accessing benefits using other people’s data.
Importance of biometrics
Biometrics serves as a validation tool for the identity of the applicant, through the use of:
- fingerprints;
- facial recognition;
- information associated with official documents.
In this way, the government intends to reduce fraud related to requests or irregular movements of benefits.
Benefits requiring biometric registration
New requests for certain INSS benefits will be subject to the obligation of biometric verification, which includes:
Retirement
For those wishing to retire, it will be necessary to present a biometric registration.
Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC)
This benefit has already required biometrics since September 2024 and is aimed at low-income elderly individuals and people with disabilities.
Aid for imprisonment
Requests for this benefit will also need to present biometric registration.
For other social security and assistance benefits, the new rule will come into effect from November 2025.
Locations for biometric registration
The validation of biometric registration can be performed with documents such as:
- National Identity Card (CIN);
- Voter Registration;
- National Driver’s License (CNH).
Those who already have biometric data registered in any of these sources generally will not need to make a new registration when requesting benefits.
Consequences of not having biometric registration
If an insured individual submits a benefits request without their biometric registration, INSS will open a requirement and offer a 30-day period for regularization. If the deadline is not met and the person is not among the exceptions, the application may be canceled.
Exceptions to the biometric rule
The new rule provides that some individuals will be exempt from registration, including:
- individuals over 80 years old;
- refugees and stateless persons with appropriate documentation;
- Brazilian citizens residing abroad;
- individuals with mobility difficulties;
- residents of remote areas;
- applicants for maternity leave;
- beneficiaries of disability assistance;
- applicants for death pension.
Such exceptions aim to prevent logistical barriers or personal conditions from hindering access to benefits.
Biometric registration for citizens over 80 years old
For elderly individuals over 80 years old, verification can be done using information from the National Cadastro de Informações Sociais (CNIS) or official documents that have a photo, facilitating the process for these individuals.
Exemption for requesting a death pension
The general rule provides for exemption from the biometric requirement for dependents seeking a death pension, considering the delicacy of this situation.
Biometric registration process
The procedure for registration varies according to the type of document of the citizen, which may include:
By National Identity Card
The new national identity already includes biometric data.
By CNH
The National Driver’s License also incorporates biometric information since its issuance.
By voter registration
The Electoral Justice provides biometric registration for voters who choose to use this service.
It is advisable for citizens to check the existence of a biometric record before requesting any benefits.
Monitoring requests at INSS
Insured individuals can track their requests through INSS’s digital channels, which include:
- app Meu INSS;
- website Meu INSS;
- Central 135.
It is essential for citizens to stay alert to any pending requirements that may cause delays in the process.
Combating fraud in the social security system
INSS, responsible for millions of monthly payments of pensions and assistance benefits, seeks biometrics as a reinforcement in protection, especially in a digital context that demands stricter identification.