Sickness benefit for MEI: what is it, how does it work and how to apply?
Find out how sickness benefit works for MEI and how the benefit can be requested
Announcements
Sickness benefit for MEI is a benefit granted to taxpayers who need to be away from their professional activities for more than 15 days, either due to illness or accident.
Although there are some questions on the subject, it is important to mention that individual microentrepreneurs are entitled to this benefit.
To help you better understand sickness benefits and how they work in practice, continue reading. We will explain everything about the subject.
What is sick pay?
Sickness benefit is one of the main social security benefits for those who have had a health problem and will need to take time off from their professional activities.
In the same way as workers governed by the Consolidation of Labor Laws — CLT, to have access to the benefit, it is important that the entrepreneur in question has a minimum requirement of 12 monthly contributions through the DAS guide — Simplified Collection Document.
This guide means that every month, 5% is collected on the minimum wage for the INSS.
Announcements
This guarantees the individual microentrepreneur social security coverage, which includes certain benefits, one of which is sickness benefit.
Therefore, if necessary, the MEI also has the right to step away from his professional activities for a period, receiving a minimum wage, until his recovery.
How does sickness benefit work for MEI?
The benefit is guaranteed by the INSS to workers who have an accident or become ill during work hours.
Although, Brazilians registered as MEI, They also contribute to social security. Therefore, they have the right to request INSS benefits when necessary.
It is granted to taxpayers who are temporarily unable to carry out their professional activities and do not have the assistance of any employee.
But to be entitled to the benefit, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:
1) Inability to work or perform usual activities (with proof of medical expertise)
2) Compliance with the qualifying period (minimum of 12 contributions) with the exception of accidents of any nature and illnesses duly catalogued by the competent body
3) INSS insured status (maintained during the time the individual is paying their social security contributions)
The amount of the benefit is normally equivalent to 91% of the insured's average salary. The monthly amount cannot be below the minimum wage.
The cessation of INSS sickness benefit for MEI occurs when the insured person recovers his/her ability to work.
However, if the incapacity persists, it may be converted into disability retirement.
How to apply for sickness benefit for MEI?
The application process can be carried out from the first day that the MEI is unable to carry out their professional activities.
Sickness benefit for MEI can be requested through the portal or application “My INSS”.
In other words, to start the request, it is not necessary to go to the INSS.
When you access the platform, register. Or, if you prefer, call the Customer Service Center (telephone 135).
Follow these steps to make the request through the Meu INSS portal:
• Log in
• Choose the “Sickness benefit” option
• Request this benefit
• Go to 'schedule new'
After searching for the scheduling/requests option, you will need to attach documents that prove your current health status.
If you apply for the benefit but do not schedule the 2022 assessment, the application will be delayed.
These are the documents you will need to attach to prove your health status: exams, reports, medical certificate and report showing the onset of symptoms.
What are the social security rights of MEI at INSS?
When you become a MEI, you have access to some of the social security benefits, just like registered workers.
After all, the individual microentrepreneur also contributes to the National Social Security Institute (INSS).
Below, see which social security benefits the MEI is entitled to, in addition to sickness benefit:
Retirement by age
For men, retirement by age is granted at 65 years of age for men and after 20 years of contribution (which are counted from November 13, 2019).
For women, retirement can be obtained at the age of 62 and after 15 years of contributions.
Disability retirement
For a MEI to retire due to disability, it is necessary to have at least 12 contributions to the INSS.
In addition, there is another requirement: presenting medical reports and INSS expert reports to prove the disability.
Maternity pay
Individual microentrepreneurs have been entitled to maternity pay since the creation of Complementary Law No. 128/2008.
In 2022, the value of maternity pay is R$1,212, which corresponds to the minimum wage in force in the country.
To be entitled to this benefit, you must have made at least 10 contributions.
The benefit lasts 120 days.
Survivor's pension
A survivor's pension is a social security benefit paid to dependents of a MEI who has died or had his death declared in court (which may occur in cases of disappearance).
Regarding this social security benefit in the event of the death of the MEI, the order of priority follows the same as that defined for other taxpayers.
Therefore, if there is no beneficiary in the priority profile, the benefit is directed to the subsequent profile:
1st – Spouse or partner and child under 21 years of age (in the case of a disabled child, there is no age limit)
2nd – Parents, as long as they prove economic dependence
3rd – Siblings under 21 years of age, as long as they prove economic dependence (in the case of disability there is no age limit)
If the MEI has made less than 18 contributions, the benefit is paid for 4 months. In the case of contributions over 18 months, the calculation varies according to the beneficiary's age:
• Under 21 years old - 3 years
• Between 21 and 26 years old - 6 years
• Between 27 and 29 years old - 10 years
• Between 30 and 40 years old - 15 years
• Between 41 and 43 years old - 20 years
• From 44 years old - Lifetime
Prison assistance
Prison assistance is an INSS benefit, created in 1960, paid to dependents of workers who are imprisoned in a closed regime.
The MEI's family or dependent is entitled to assistance while the microentrepreneur is in prison.
However, there is a two-year contribution requirement.
Conclusion
Now you know how sickness benefit works for MEI and that individual microentrepreneurs are entitled to the benefit, as long as the requirements are met.
In addition to sickness benefit, MEI is also entitled to other social security benefits.
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