The Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) is proceeding with payments for December 2024 for retirees, pensioners, and beneficiaries of social assistance programs. The process began on December 20, 2024, and will extend through January 8, 2025, offering timely support to millions of Brazilians.
The payment dates are determined by the final digits of each beneficiary's identification number, with those earning up to one minimum wage receiving their payments earlier. Specifically, beneficiaries with payment numbers ending with "1" received payments on December 20, 2024, followed by those ending with "2" on December 23. The complete schedule for those earning minimal wage is as follows:
- Group ending 1 - December 20
- Group ending 2 - December 23
- Group ending 3 - December 26
- Group ending 4 - December 27
- Group ending 5 - December 30
- Group ending 6 - January 2, 2025
- Group ending 7 - January 3, 2025
- Group ending 8 - January 6, 2025
- Group ending 9 - January 7, 2025
- Group ending 0 - January 8, 2025
For beneficiaries with amounts exceeding one minimum wage (approximately R$ 1,412), the payment schedule resumes only on January 2, 2025. The payments will be distributed as follows for this group:
- Groups ending 1 and 6 - January 2, 2025
- Groups ending 2 and 7 - January 3, 2025
- Groups ending 3 and 8 - January 6, 2025
- Groups ending 4 and 9 - January 7, 2025
- Groups ending 5 and 0 - January 8, 2025
This strategic timing ensures orderly processing, preventing bank congestion during the busy holiday season, and providing beneficiaries with the predictability they need for financial planning. "Essa divisão garante que os pagamentos sejam organizados ao longo do mês, oferecendo previsibilidade para os beneficiários," said an INSS spokesperson.
Another important update pertains to the newly introduced Meu INSS Vale+ card. This card allows eligible beneficiaries to anticipate up to R$150 of their benefit amount without incurring interest or fees. To obtain this card, beneficiaries must engage with participating financial institutions qualified under INSS agreements. The card is physical, equipped with chip technology and requires a personal identification number, as clarified by INSS officials. "O cartão deve ser físico, equipado com chip e protegido por senha pessoal," they noted.
It’s important to mention the potential for payment delays, particularly as the end of the year coincides with significant holidays. Days such as December 24 and 31 are recognized as facultative holidays, meaning banks will close, impacting the completion of payments. The Brazilian Central Bank emphasized, "Os dias 24 e 31 de dezembro são considerados pontos facultativos," which adds layers of complexity to the INSS's payment logistics.
For beneficiaries wishing to check the status of their payments, multiple channels are available. The Meu INSS app, as well as the INSS central service line (135), offers easy access to information on payment dates and account details. Beneficiaries may also consult via bank apps or directly at agency branches.
These initiatives by the INSS reflect broader efforts to streamline payments and improve the financial security of Brazil's elderly and vulnerable populations, especially as they navigate the festive season, marked by demanding financial obligations.
With over 26 million individuals benefiting from INSS programs, ensuring timely and organized payments is pivotal, especially during this celebratory time of year, where predictability can significantly impact life quality.
