INSS: proof of voting is not valid as proof of life – 09/18/2024 – Market

A false notice from the TSE (Superior Electoral Court) is circulating on social media claiming that proof of voting in municipal elections will be valid as proof of life for retirees, also known as re-registration. The INSS (National Institute of Social Security) denies the rumor and clarifies that proof of life is currently done automatically by the government.

The fake notice states “retirees who go to the polls: the vote will serve as proof of life with the INSS, a fact that unfortunately is not being disclosed by the press”, according to the INSS. The publication even cites an ordinance that defined the cross-referencing of data from various sources to be used to re-register retirees and pensioners.

Under the current rule, retirees and pensioners are not required to leave their homes to prove that they are alive and continue receiving benefits. According to INSS rules, retirements and pensions will not be blocked or suspended due to lack of proof of life until December 31 of this year. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the bank or an INSS agency to re-register.

Even though it is not mandatory, the insured person who wishes to do so can provide proof at the bank where they receive the benefit (preferably through channels that have biometrics) or through the Meu INSS app.

The INSS has not yet completed the cross-referencing of data with all agencies provided for in the 2022 ordinance. According to the agency, some are already exchanging information, but others are not yet, as they are waiting for adjustments to the system. The agency states that it was necessary to choose between reducing the waiting list for benefits and developing the technology to provide proof of life.

“It is up to the INSS to prove that the beneficiary is alive. To do this, we receive data from other federal public agencies, preferably biometric data, to cross-reference information on citizens. This information is cross-referenced with other information contained in the federal government database,” explains the president of the INSS, Alessandro Stefanutto, in the agency’s official statement.

Currently, the withdrawal of social security benefits from the bank and the granting of a payroll loan, both using biometrics, are considered proof of life. Updates to CadÚnico (the federal government’s Single Registry), used for Bolsa Família, medical examinations and in-person service at INSS agencies are also on the valid list of cross-checks.

Vaccination card data, voting in elections, passport, driver’s license, work license, income tax declaration, among others, are on the list of procedures that were delayed.