Social networks were flooded this Monday (26) with fake news that the National Social Security Institute (INSS) will stop paying pensions to those who do not have the new National Identity Card (CIN). In fact, nothing changes for those who already receive current benefits.
In November, the INSS started a process which requires digital biometrics for applications for new benefits, without affecting current benefits. At the current stage, biometrics are only required for applications for future retirement and pensions, with the INSS being able to use biometric data from both the CIN, driver’s license and voter registration card.
From May 1st, digital biometrics will become mandatory for new applications for maternity pay, temporary incapacity benefit (former sickness benefit) and death pension. Also from that date, anyone who requests any INSS benefit and does not have biometrics in any of these documents will need to issue a CIN to proceed with the request. However, voter ID and driver’s license biometrics will continue to be accepted.
Only from January 1, 2028, the CIN will be the only document required for requests and maintenance of INSS benefits. The agency will inform policyholders of everything through the application and the My INSS website and also at service stations.
Maintenance of benefits
According to the federal government, retirees, pensioners and beneficiaries of maintenance aid will not need to take any immediate action. The implementation for this audience will be gradual and there will be no automatic blocking of payments.
If the INSS identifies the need for a biometric update for an active beneficiary, the citizen will be notified individually and in advance, with no impact on the receipt of amounts.
Exceptions
Throughout this period there will be exceptions to the biometrics requirement, based on the ability of states to issue the CIN and the difficulty in accessing public services for some groups.
The requirement will be waived, as long as there are no alternatives offered by the public authorities, for:
• people over 80 years old;
• people with difficulty traveling due to health reasons, upon proof;
• residents of difficult-to-access areas, such as riverside communities served by PREVBarco;
• migrants, refugees and stateless persons;
• residing abroad.
The INSS also maintains an official list of municipalities considered difficult to access locations, based on the IBGE 2018 Accessibility Index, which includes regions classified as remote or very remote. The list can be consulted in this link.
Timeline
In November, biometric proof became mandatory for new applications for INSS benefits. The obligation is set out in the Decree 12,561/2025which regulates the Law 15,077. The requirement aims to reinforce the fight against fraud, increase data security and ensure that resources reach those who are entitled.
The INSS established a staggered schedule for the adoption of biometrics:
• Since November 21, 2025: all new benefit request will require biometric registration. Biometrics of the National Identity Card (CIN), National Driving License (CNH) or Voter ID card will be accepted;
• From May 1, 2026: anyone who requests a benefit and does not have biometrics on any of these documents will need to issue a CIN to proceed with the request;
• From January 1, 2028: the CIN will be the only document with biometrics accepted for applications and maintenance of benefits at the INSS.
Recommendation
Although unification is only scheduled for 2028, the guideline is that citizens seek state identification bodies as soon as possible to issue a National Identity Card (CIN). The recommendation, informs the INSS, helps to avoid future queues and reinforces the security of personal data and social security benefits.
