INSS proof of life: is it still mandatory?

A INSS proof of life It used to be an annual concern for millions of Brazilians.

That ritual of going to the bank, often on inconvenient dates, generated anxiety. But, in 2025, the scenario changed drastically.

This digital transformation has raised the central question: does the procedure still exist? If the beneficiary no longer needs to go to the bank branch, does that mean the obligation has ended? The answer is straightforward: yes, it is still mandatory, but the responsibility has shifted.

What was once an active duty of the citizen is now an active pursuit by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) itself. Understanding this new dynamic is vital to ensuring the continuity of your benefit without setbacks.

Table of Contents:

• What really changed in INSS proof of life in 2025?
• How does the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) now verify proof of life?
• What data confirms that you are alive according to the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute)?
• When does the beneficiary need to take proactive action?
• Why this change in INSS proof of life it happened?
• Who exactly needs to do the INSS proof of life?
• What are the deadlines and what happens if the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) can't find me?

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What really changed in the INSS Proof of Life process in 2025?

The big turning point wasn't the end of the requirement, but rather the reversal of the burden of proof. Until 2023, it was your responsibility to prove to the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) that you were alive. Now, it's the INSS's responsibility to prove that you are alive.

This represents immense relief. The measure was implemented to bring more comfort and safety, especially to the elderly and people with mobility difficulties.

The old system, which required physical travel, was seen as outdated and, frankly, a nuisance. The new system uses technology to benefit the citizen, making the process almost invisible to most.

Therefore, the INSS proof of life It remains a legal requirement to prevent fraud and improper payments. The difference is that, in the vast majority of cases, you won't need to do anything at all.

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How does the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) now verify proof of life?

The INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) has become a digital detective. The institution now conducts a comprehensive "data cross-referencing," searching for "traces" of its activity in various governmental and private databases.

Basically, any interaction you've had with the public or financial system in recent months can serve as proof. The INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) has a 10-month window, starting from your birthdate, to find this proof.

If, within that period, the system identifies any listed activity, your INSS proof of life It is renewed automatically. The process is silent, and you won't even know it happened.

This proactive search is based on rules established by INSS Ordinance No. 1,408/2022, which details how this information gathering should be done, ensuring the modernization and efficiency of the service.

What data confirms that you are alive according to the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute)?

You might be wondering, "What activities of mine is the INSS monitoring?" The list is more intuitive than it seems and focuses on actions that only you can perform.

Access to the Meu INSS app with the gold seal (the highest security level for a Gov.br account) is one of the strongest proofs. Keeping your app updated and accessing it regularly is an excellent practice.

Bank transactions are also crucial. Taking out a payroll loan using biometrics or making a withdrawal with digital identification at an ATM are valuable records.

In addition, other government interactions are important:

• Vaccination at a health center (registered with the SUS).
• Participation in elections (registration with the TSE).
• Passport issuance or renewal.
• Renewal of the National Driver's License (CNH).
• Updates to the Single Registry (CadÚnico).
• In-person service at an INSS agency.

When does the beneficiary need to take proactive action?

This is the crucial point. You will only need to worry about the INSS proof of life if the INSS fail in finding any of these digital or physical traces within a 10-month period.

This is rare, but it can happen to people who live very isolated lives, don't have active bank accounts, or don't interact with public services.

If the 10-month deadline expires without success, the INSS no Your payment will be blocked immediately. Before that, the Institute is required to notify you.

This notification will come through multiple channels. You may receive a notification in the Meu INSS app, a notification at the ATM of the bank where you receive your benefit, or even a letter.

Only after Being officially notified means you will have a deadline (usually 60 days) to actively complete one of the verification procedures, such as using biometrics at the bank or accessing Meu INSS (My INSS).

For your peace of mind, you can proactively check your status INSS proof of life directly on the Meu INSS portal, checking the date of the last update.

Why did this change in the INSS Proof of Life process happen?

The change addresses three fundamental pillars: dignity, efficiency, and safety. The previous model was problematic, especially for the most vulnerable population.

Consider beneficiaries who are bedridden, have severe mobility impairments, or live in remote areas. For them, the annual trip to the bank was a complex operation, requiring medical reports, legal representatives, and generating costs.

The new INSS proof of life Digital technology eliminates this barrier, treating citizens with the dignity they deserve. It is the State that must adapt to the citizen, and not the other way around.

Secondly, efficiency. Automated data matching reduces bureaucracy, frees up agency staff for more complex tasks, and speeds up the renewal process for millions of people simultaneously.

Finally, security. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the new method is more secure against fraud. It uses official databases and biometrics, making it more difficult for scammers to impersonate the beneficiary in the old model.

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Who exactly needs to complete the INSS Proof of Life process?

The rule is clear: the obligation of INSS proof of life This applies to everyone who receives long-term benefits from the Institute. This ensures that payments are made only to those who are entitled to them.

The group includes:

• Retirees (due to age, length of service, disability, etc.).
• Pensioners (due to death).
• Recipients of long-term assistance.
• Recipients of the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC/LOAS).

If you fall into any of these categories, the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) will be actively seeking your information annually, around your birth month.

What are the deadlines and what happens if the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) can't find me?

The panic of having your benefit cut off unexpectedly is over. The process now follows a very clear flow, with several layers of security to protect the beneficiary.

As mentioned, the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) has 10 months after your birthday to find your "traces." If it doesn't find any, it initiates the notification process.

Failure to respond to this official notification may eventually lead to sanctions. It is crucial that your contact information (phone and address) is always up-to-date on Meu INSS.

To illustrate the escalation process, should the active search fail, we have prepared a simple table:

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Table: What happens if the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) cannot find your Proof of Life?

Stage	Action	Who is responsible?	Term
1. Active Search	Data cross-referencing (SUS, banks, TSE, etc.)	INSS	10 months (from the birthday)
2. Notification	Notification via My INSS (Brazilian Social Security Institute), bank, or letter.	INSS	After failing in Stage 1
3. Citizen Action	Actively complete the test (biometrics, app).	Recipient	60 days (after being notified)
4. Suspension	Precautionary suspension of benefits.	INSS	If Step 3 fails
5. Reactivation	The beneficiary takes the test and requests the release.	Recipient	At any time

As we can see, the suspension only occurs as a last resort. Even if the benefit is suspended, it is not immediately terminated (cancelled). The beneficiary can still provide proof and reactivate the payment.

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Conclusion: A Welcome Change

A INSS proof of life In 2025, this is a clear example of how technology can serve the citizen, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and focusing on what really matters: the dignity of the beneficiary.

Yes, it's still mandatory. However, the responsibility now lies with the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute). Your only task is to continue living your life normally: go to the doctor, vote, manage your bank account.

Keep your contact information and access to My INSS up to date. By doing so, the verification process will be automatic, silent, and efficient, allowing you to focus on what really matters.

For more official information about your benefits and to keep your registration details up to date, please visit [website address]. Official INSS Portal on the Gov.br portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I find out if my INSS (Brazilian Social Security Institute) proof of life is up to date?

The easiest and quickest way is through the Meu INSS app or website. Log in with your Gov.br account (preferably silver or gold level) and look for the "Proof of Life" option. There, you will see the date of the last verification and the current status.

2. I live abroad. How do I complete the INSS (Brazilian Social Security Institute) proof of life process?

For those residing outside of Brazil, the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) also uses data cross-referencing, such as entry and exit records from the country.

However, the safest way is to access Meu INSS with a gold seal or, if necessary, go to a Brazilian consulate and obtain a proof of life certificate, sending it to INSS.

3. The bank called me asking for information for proof of life. Is it safe?

No. Beware of scams. The INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) and banks do not call beneficiaries asking for sensitive data or photos for proof of life.

The process is automatic (data matching) or initiated by you (in the app or bank terminal) after an official notification.

4. My benefit has been blocked. What should I do?

Don't despair. The block is reversible. The quickest way to resolve it is to complete the pending proof-of-life procedure.

This can be done through the Meu INSS app (using facial biometrics) or at your bank's ATM (using fingerprint biometrics). After the procedure, the benefit is reactivated.