The National Institute of Social Security (INSS) has introduced an initiative to simplify access to the social security system by waiving the collection of biometric data for certain beneficiaries. This change was formalized by the Portaria DIRBEN/INSS no. 1.347, dated June 22, 2026, and is mainly aimed at elderly individuals who have difficulty moving around.
The focus of the new resolution is to specifically assist those who are 80 years or older and who live in restricted mobility conditions or in hard-to-reach areas. In addition, other categories have also been included with the aim of ensuring a more humanized service while maintaining security against fraud in social security services.
What does the new rule imply?
A significant change brought about by the ordinance concerns the exemption from biometric registration, allowing these individuals to not have to travel to an INSS unit to be identified by fingerprints.
This approach aims to prevent elderly and vulnerable individuals from having to make long and costly trips, potentially harmful to their health, simply to meet an administrative requirement.
Changes to the benefit?
It is essential to emphasize that this new rule does not impact the amount of social security benefits. The ordinance is limited to altering the identification procedure, without changing:
- the amount of pensions;
- the values of allowances;
- financial assistances;
- the granting rules;
- the payment calendar;
- the social security rights in general.
Thus, the flexibility of biometric data collection pertains only to the identification method and does not generate financial implications or debt forgiveness.
Who benefits from the waiver?
The regulation clarifies which criteria guarantee the exemption from biometric data collection. Among the beneficiaries are:
Elderly individuals aged 80 or older
Individuals aged 80 or older who face significant difficulties accessing biometric services, especially those residing in areas with limited access.
This includes residents of:
- remote rural areas;
- riverside communities;
- areas without transportation infrastructure;
- regions that are hard to access.
Brazilian citizens abroad
Beneficiaries living outside Brazil who have logistical difficulties accessing the services are also covered by this rule.
Refugees and stateless individuals
Individuals recognized as refugees or stateless also benefit from the ordinance, considering the documentary and administrative challenges faced by these groups.
Beneficiaries of specific payments
In certain types of benefits where the presence of the policyholder is not necessary to prove the right, biometric data collection will also be suspended.
Reasons for the flexibility
Although biometric data collection has been an important tool in combating fraud, the INSS understood that this requirement could be a hindrance for those with mobility difficulties or who live far from agencies. Often, family members needed to make complex transportation arrangements or even hire ambulances to take elderly individuals to appointments.
Thus, the new rule seeks to balance two aspects:
- Ensure security in identification;
- Remove barriers for those facing difficulties in traveling.
Verification mechanisms
The exemption from biometric data collection does not mean the absence of control over the identity of policyholders. The INSS will continue to use other verification methods, including:
- cross-referencing information from official databases;
- validating registration data;
- analyzing documents;
- administrative procedures according to relevant legislation.
Guidelines to avoid issues with the benefit
Policyholders who meet the conditions established by the new rule must inform the INSS, which can be done through:
- the Meu INSS app or portal;
- in-person service when necessary;
- Central Service 135.
These communications help minimize the risk of unnecessary requests for biometric data collection and registration problems.
Necessary documentation
Depending on the situation, the INSS may request the following documentation:
- CPF;
- official identification document;
- proof of residency;
- medical reports, if there are mobility difficulties;
- documents proving residency abroad or in hard-to-reach communities, where applicable.
Positive impact on families
The new rule not only facilitates service for policyholders but also reduces the pressure on family members and caregivers accompanying bedridden elderly individuals. By eliminating this bureaucratic formality, the risk to the health of beneficiaries is minimized, as well as avoiding the need for relatives to miss work to take their family members to the INSS.
Clarifications on the new rule
Those who believe they have the right to be exempt from biometric data collection can seek information through the official INSS channels, such as:
- the Meu INSS app and portal;
- Central Service 135, available Monday to Saturday;
- the INSS agencies, with prior scheduling when necessary.
Organizing documentation in advance is a recommended practice to optimize service and avoid delays in processing requests.