In November 2025, a new standard will be implemented by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) for the application for social security and assistance benefits, requiring biometric validation for new requests for retirement, Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC), and prisoner assistance.
The INSS Directive No. 1,347 regulates this measure, which aims to modernize public services, increasing the security in the granting of benefits and reducing the chances of fraud. The INSS will conduct an automatic verification of the biometric registration of the applicant using data available from the government. If there is no biometric record, the insured will have a period to regularize before their request is archived.
It is important to emphasize that this new requirement does not apply to benefits already granted or requests made before the implementation of the standard. Thus, those who are already receiving benefits will not need to comply with this validation.
Who must validate the biometrics?
The requirement for biometric validation applies only to new requests submitted to the INSS, covering:
- retirements;
- Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC);
- prisoner assistance.
Benefits granted before the new rule do not require any additional obligation.
How is biometric validation performed?
When a request is submitted, the INSS system automatically verifies whether there is a valid biometric registration linked to the applicant’s CPF.
This process is done electronically, without the need to send photos or videos, nor the need to appear at an INSS agency.
If the validated biometrics are found, the request will proceed normally for the analysis of other granting criteria.
What happens if there is no registered biometrics?
If the INSS does not find a biometric record, the applicant will be informed about the pending issue and will have a period of 30 days to resolve the situation.
During this time, it is essential that the citizen seeks a document or registration that allows for biometric validation.
If the regularization does not occur within the deadline, the INSS may close the request administratively, forcing the applicant to begin a new process.
Accepted documents for validation
Biometric validation uses data previously registered in public agencies, without the need for new collection. Accepted documents include:
National Identity Card (CIN)
The CIN, which has integrated biometric collection with government systems, is valid for validation.
Voter ID with biometrics
Those who completed biometric registration at the Electoral Justice can use this record for validation at the INSS.
National Driver’s License (CNH)
The CNH, issued with biometric collection, is also accepted for queries made by the institute.
Gov.br account level Silver or Gold
Citizens with a Gov.br account at Silver or Gold levels have often already undergone identity validation processes, including biometrics.
Verifying the validity of biometrics
Before applying for a benefit, it is advisable for the citizen to check if their documents are updated and if their identity has already been validated in any government system.
Finally, it is also useful to confirm the level of the Gov.br account, as accounts at Silver or Gold levels indicate that validation has already occurred.
Service at INSS agencies
It is incorrect to think that presence at the INSS agency is necessary to register biometrics.
The INSS clarifies that validation occurs exclusively through the existing information. If the citizen does not have registered biometrics, they must seek it from competent agencies, such as identification institutes, traffic authorities, or Electoral Justice.
Objectives of the new measure
The introduction of biometric validation is part of digital transformation initiatives in the public sector, aimed at increasing the reliability of social security processes.
The main objectives are:
Strengthening security
Validation minimizes the possibility of fraud in requests made in the name of third parties.
Agility in analysis
The automatic verification enables the INSS to quickly confirm identity, reducing the need for additional checks.
Integration between agencies
This synergy facilitates the sharing of already available information, preventing the citizen from having to present documents repeatedly.
More digital services
The approach is part of the modernization of public administration, promoting electronic services and minimizing bureaucracy.
Tips to avoid problems
To apply for benefits such as retirement, BPC, or prisoner assistance, some simple practices help avoid delays:
- Keep identification documents updated;
- Check if the Gov.br account is active and, preferably, at Silver or Gold levels;
- Regularize the CPF;
- Follow the notifications from Meu INSS while the request is being evaluated.
These measures help reduce the likelihood of interruptions in the process.
What to do if the request is closed?
If the request is archived due to lack of biometric validation within the 30-day period, the interested party must first regularize their situation.
After regularization, it will be necessary to submit a new benefit request, thus restarting the administrative process. Therefore, specialists recommend checking the registration status before requesting the benefit.