Benefits for artisanal fishermen: Closed season insurance

O Closed season insurance It is an essential benefit for Brazilian artisanal fishermen, guaranteeing their livelihood during periods when fishing is prohibited for species preservation.

In 2025, the federal government implemented significant changes to improve the provision of this benefit, aiming to ensure that it reaches those who truly need it.

In today's text, you'll discover important details about this program, so be sure to follow along!

What is the Closed season insurance?

O Closed season insurance It is a type of unemployment insurance intended for artisanal professional fishermen who are forced to interrupt their fishing activities due to the closed season, when fishing is prohibited to preserve the species.

During this period, fishing is prohibited to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources.

Therefore, this benefit is an essential measure to guarantee the livelihood of local fishermen.

Who is entitled to Closed season insurance?

To be entitled to the Closed season insurance, artisanal fishermen must meet specific criteria established by the federal government. These requirements include:

• Registration in the General Register of Fishing Activities (RGP): The fisherman must have been registered with the RGP for at least one year and keep his/her registration updated.
• Exclusivity in fishing activities: The fisherman must carry out artisanal fishing as his main activity, without formal employment or other source of income.
• Proof of activity performance: It is necessary to prove that fishing is carried out uninterruptedly, through documents such as fish sales invoices.
• Non-receipt of other benefits: The fisherman cannot be receiving other social security benefits, except accident assistance and survivor's pension limited to a minimum wage.

How to apply Closed season insurance?

The request of the Closed season insurance can be done entirely online, without the need to go to an INSS agency.

The process is carried out through the Meu INSS portal, available on the federal government's official website.

To apply, the fisherman must:

1. Access the Meu INSS portal.
2. Log in with your Gov.br account.
3. Select the option “Request Closed Season Insurance – Artisanal Fisherman”.
4. Fill in the requested data and attach the necessary documentation.
5. Wait for the request to be analyzed and approved.

It is important to emphasize that the request must be made within the established deadline, which is between 30 days before the start date of the closed season until the last day of the closed season period.

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Recent changes in the granting of Closed season insurance

In 2025, the federal government published Decree No. 12,527, which regulates the new concession model for Closed season insurance for artisanal fishermen. The main changes include:

• Approval by municipal or district authority: The concession process will be carried out by local authorities, allowing for a more thorough check of the information provided.
• Budget limitation: The granting of the benefit will be limited to the budget allocation available in each fiscal year, ensuring greater predictability in the management of public resources.
• Fighting fraud: Access to the INSS system will be done through biometric authentication, and cross-referencing data with other government databases will help identify inconsistencies.

These changes aim to strengthen social protection for artisanal fishermen, reinforce controls against fraud, and increase transparency in the benefit rules.

Value of Closed season insurance in 2025

In 2025, the value of Closed season insurance is a monthly minimum wage, according to the value established by the federal government.

The number of plots varies according to the closed season period determined by the competent environmental agency, and can last from 1 to 5 months, depending on the species and region.

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Social and economic impact of Closed season insurance

O Closed season insurance plays a crucial role in the lives of artisanal fishermen, guaranteeing a source of income during periods when fishing is prohibited for the preservation of species.

Without this support, many families would be left without income during the months when they have to stop working.

Furthermore, the benefit contributes to the sustainability of fishing resources, allowing species to reproduce properly and ensuring the continuity of fishing activity in the long term.

Without a doubt, it has a positive social impact on the lives of many Brazilian families.

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Challenges and future prospects for artisanal fishermen

Despite these advances, artisanal fishermen face ongoing challenges, such as the need to constantly update their RGP and adapt to new technological requirements, such as biometric authentication.

Implementing these changes requires ongoing support and training to ensure that all fishers can access and fully enjoy the Closed season insurance.

Frequently asked questions about Closed season insurance

1. Can I accumulate the Closed season insurance with other benefits?

No, the Closed season insurance cannot be accumulated with other social security benefits, except accident benefit and survivor's pension limited to a minimum wage.

2. How do I know if my order has been approved?

You can track the status of your order through the Meu INSS portal, in the “Check Orders” section.

3. What should I do if my request is denied?

If your request is denied, you can file an administrative appeal on the Meu INSS portal, presenting documents that prove your right to the benefit.

4. Do I need to go to an INSS agency to request the benefit?

No, the entire application process can be completed online, without the need to go to a branch.

5. How do I keep my registration updated?

It is important to keep your RGP registration up to date, completing the Annual Fishing Activity Report (REAP) and keeping your documentation up to date.

Conclusion

O Closed season insurance It is an essential tool to guarantee the livelihood of artisanal fishermen during closed seasons.

Certainly, with the changes implemented in 2025, the concession process has become more transparent and efficient, aiming to benefit those who truly depend on artisanal fishing for their survival.

If you are an artisanal fisherman, it is essential to be aware of the requirements and deadlines for applying for the benefit, thus ensuring the necessary support for you and your family during the closed season.

For more information and to request the Closed season insurance, access the Meu INSS portal: (gov.br). Share this news with others too!