The Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) is actively continuing its schedule for releasing benefits to beneficiaries, including those receiving the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC LOAS). On Tuesday, January 25, payments are being made for beneficiaries whose NIS (Número de Identificação Social) ends with the number 2. For those with NIS ending with 1, payments commenced on Monday, January 24. Beneficiaries who have not received their benefits on the scheduled date are advised to wait up to three business days before contacting the INSS Central via phone number 135 for status verification.
Currently, the Ministry of Social Security is evaluating the possibility of advancing the payment of the 13th salary for retirees, pensioners, and other INSS beneficiaries. This payment is expected by millions of Brazilians, particularly amid economic difficulties. It is important to note, though, the BPC LOAS currently does not qualify for the 13th salary, as it is classified as assistance rather than retirement. Nevertheless, there are proposals circulating within the National Congress to modify current legislation to allow BPC beneficiaries to also receive this additional payment. There is no clear timeline for the approval of these proposals yet.
For beneficiaries of BPC LOAS, having an updated Cadastro Único can grant access to various additional benefits depending on local legislation. Many municipalities offer the opportunity to request exemptions from the IPTU (Imposto Predial e Territorial Urbano) and waste collection fees. Interested individuals should check with their local government offices to find out about availability and eligibility criteria. Beneficiaries who are registered under the Cadastro Único and hold their electricity account can also apply for discounts on their power bills through the Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica program. It’s worth noting, though, to receive this discount the account must be registered under the beneficiary's name; those whose accounts are under another person's name will not be eligible for the discount.
The INSS payment schedule continues until the end of the month, accommodating all beneficiaries according to the last digit of their NIS. Those with questions about their payments can visit the official INSS website or contact the operator line 135 for more information.
Attention retirees, pensioners, and beneficiaries of the INSS: starting now, beneficiaries can access their income tax statements for 2024. This document will be necessary for declaring taxes due for 2025. The deadline for the income tax declaration starts on March 15 and runs through May 1. Currently, the Federal Revenue Service has not released guidelines for the 2025 income tax declaration, but it is expected to be announced after the Carnival, which runs from March 1 to March 5.
To obtain the income report on the website, follow these steps: access the Meu INSS website, log in with your CPF, navigate to the 'Other Services' section, and select 'Income Tax Statement' for the desired year.
On another note, the government has instituted new rules limiting the tax exemption for INSS retirees suffering from serious illnesses earning over R$20,000 monthly as part of its fiscal adjustment package. The exempt illness list includes serious conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and severe cardiovascular disease, among others. Those earning below R$20,000 will still enjoy tax exemptions, but individuals exceeding this threshold must pay taxes on the amount over R$20,000.
Meanwhile, the INSS starts paying out February pensions and other benefits on January 24. Notably, the upcoming Carnival celebrations will affect deposit schedules across Brazil. While the Tuesday following Carnival (March 4) is not nationally recognized as a holiday, many employers extend breaks, affecting the operational hours of banks and INSS agencies.
The INSS anticipates maintaining the usual deposits to pensioners and beneficiaries through February. Payments will continue until February 28 for beneficiaries with ending NIS digits 5. Payments will resume on March 6 for beneficiaries earning the minimum wage with NIS ending in 6. On March 6, payments above the minimum wage will also begin, aligning with NIS numbers one and six. Overall, payments conclude by March 12 for those with higher benefits from the NIS numbers ending five and zero.
Notably, banking agencies will remain closed from March 3 to March 5 for Carnival, with limited services resuming on the following Wednesday. The INSS recommends beneficiaries utilize remote channels such as the Meu INSS app and phone service 135, which offers 24-hour automated assistance. Human assistance will be available on specific days surrounding the holiday with normal operations resuming on March 6.
Given the patterns of payments and guidelines issued by the Ministry, beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take advantage of available resources for their benefits, taxes, and assistance programs, especially during this congested period.