In 2026, the National Social Security Institute (INSS) will implement new guidelines for retirement, as planned in the 2019 Social Security Reform. These changes will affect millions of workers who have not yet met the necessary criteria to retire.
Insured individuals under the General Social Security Scheme (RGPS), including formal workers, self-employed individuals, domestic employees, and voluntary contributors, will need to pay attention to the new requirements starting in 2026.
In the following paragraphs, we will present the main updates, the beneficiaries of the transition rules, and the importance of monitoring the situation through Meu INSS.
Changes in Retirement Rules
The expected changes for 2026 are part of the ongoing process defined by Constitutional Amendment No. 103, rather than constituting a new reform. Each year, new requirements will be adjusted until the permanent rules come into effect. Among the main modifications for 2026, we have:
- increase in the minimum age for retirement under the progressive age rule;
- elevation of the necessary score under the points rule.
The update will only affect those insured who do not acquire the right to retire by the end of 2025.
Minimum Age for Retirement
The minimum age for progressive retirement will be adjusted in 2026.
For Women
Women will need to reach:
- 59 years and 6 months of age;
- a minimum of 30 years of contributions to INSS.
For Men
Men, in turn, will need to meet the following requirements:
- 64 years and 6 months of age;
- at least 35 years of contributions.
These ages will continue to gradually rise until the implementation of the final rules.
The Points Rule Will Also Be Adjusted
Another rule that will be modified in 2026 concerns the points, which combine the worker’s age with the time of contribution. To retire, it will be necessary to achieve:
- 93 points for women and 30 years of contributions;
- 103 points for men and 35 years of contributions.
This modality is advantageous for those who started contributing early and can reach the score before reaching the minimum age.
Who Can Use the Transition Rules?
The transition rules are exclusive to those who were already contributing to INSS before November 13, 2019, the date the reform came into effect. The differentiated transition options will depend on each worker’s contribution history.
50% Toll Modality
This option is for those who were close to completing their contribution time at the time of the reform. The worker will need to fulfill a “toll” of 50% of the remaining time to complete the requirements.
100% Toll Modality
In the 100% toll modality, the worker must work for a period equivalent to double the time remaining. The minimum ages remain:
- 57 years for women;
- 60 years for men.
This rule can result in a more favorable benefit calculation in various situations.
How to Choose the Most Favorable Rule?
The choice of the most beneficial transition rule can vary among workers. INSS will determine the best modality at the time of grant, but it is wise for the insured to make comparisons of scenarios before applying for retirement. Age, contribution time, and average salary are important factors in this choice.
Proper social security planning can reduce financial losses and allow for early retirement if desired.
How to Check Time Until Retirement?
INSS offers a tool to simulate the remaining time until retirement. This service is provided free of charge through Meu INSS, both on the website and the app. By entering contribution history, the insured can verify:
- the relevant retirement rules;
- the necessary time to meet the requirements;
- the estimated date to apply for the benefit.
The simulation is useful but may yield inaccurate results due to registration errors.
Importance of Monitoring the National Social Information Register (CNIS)
The CNIS compiles essential information about the worker’s social security history. Any errors, such as unregistered contributions or incorrect data, can delay the benefit analysis. Therefore, periodic verification is recommended, especially before reaching retirement requirements.
How is the Retirement Benefit Amount Defined?
The amount of the social security benefit is defined based on various criteria, such as:
- the salary history;
- the total contribution time;
- the relevant rules for the grant;
- the formulas established by the Social Security Reform.
Regardless of the chosen option, the benefit will not be less than the minimum wage. The Meu INSS simulator can provide a rough estimate based on CNIS information.
Why Are New Rules Implemented Annually?
The Social Security Reform aims to adapt the requirements to the aging population and ensure the sustainability of the social security system. Therefore, annual changes are necessary until the transition phase is completed.
What to Do Now?
Workers intending to retire in the coming years should monitor their social security situation and ensure that all contributions are correctly registered. It is advisable to conduct periodic simulations on Meu INSS to identify which rules apply and when the requirements will be met.
This monitoring is essential to avoid delays in the benefit grant and ensure efficient retirement planning.
The changes planned for 2026 reflect the timeline of the Social Security Reform, primarily impacting those who have not yet fulfilled retirement requirements. The increase in the minimum age and the new scoring criteria must be clearly understood so that workers make informed choices regarding their social security benefits.