BPC requests for people with disabilities can now be made via video

The assessment of BPC requests for people with disabilities underwent a significant change this month; they can now be done via videoconference.

You BPC assessment requests can now be made remotely, but there is still a need to appear at the INSS premises.

Other than that, it is not mandatory; the beneficiary can choose the assessment model, in-person or remote.

For more details, read this text to the end. See our index below:

• What is BPC?
• Who is entitled?
• Who can apply?
• How to apply?
• How does the evaluation of BPC requests for people with disabilities via videoconference work?
• Conclusion.

What is BPC?

The acronym BPC stands for Continuous Benefit Payment, it is a benefit guaranteed by LOAS (Organic Law of Social Assistance).

This law guarantees the applicant the amount of one minimum wage per month.

Who is entitled to BPC?

This benefit is exclusive to seniors aged 65 or over, however, it is not a retirement. 

This means that, to request it, you do not need to have contributed to the INSS, furthermore, it does not pay a survivor's pension or thirteenth salary.

The BPC is also intended for people with disabilities of any age, as long as the condition can cause some long-term impairment in the physical, intellectual, mental or sensory area.

In addition, these conditions must also prevent them from participating fully and effectively in society, on equal terms with other people.

Who can apply?

In addition to meeting the above conditions, the applicant must have an income per family member equal to or less than ¼ of the minimum wage. This calculation should be done as follows.

First, add up the income of all household members, that is, everyone who lives with the applicant.

Now, the sum of income must be divided by the number of family members. If the final amount is equal to or less than ¼ of the minimum wage, the applicant can request BPC, as long as they meet the other requirements.

After all, how much is ¼ of the minimum wage?

According to the minimum wage for the year 2022, ¼ of R$1,212.00 is = R$303.00/per person.

What income is included in the calculation of monthly family income?

The monthly income that should be included in the calculation is that which comes from:

• wages;
• pensions;
• alimony;
• unemployment insurance;
• public or private pension benefits;
• commissions;
• pro-labore;
• proceeds;
• other income from self-employment;
• income earned from assets.

Before approving the BPC for people with disabilities, a medical and social evaluation will be carried out.

The body responsible for these assessments is the INSS.

How to apply for BPC for people with disabilities?

Firstly, it is worth noting that the beneficiary and family members must be registered in the Single Registry, otherwise, it will not be possible to request BPC for people with disabilities.

To apply, simply access one of the INSS service channels: phone, website, or the Meu INSS app. You can also apply at Social Security Agencies.

In addition to the benefit in the amount of a monthly minimum wage, BPC beneficiaries are also entitled to a reduction in their energy bill, through the program Social Energy Tariff.

The discount is provided according to the family's monthly consumption and can vary from 10% to 65%. 

If you want to consult the list of beneficiaries and monthly payments, access the Citizenship Portal, then look for the tab “Benefits to the Citizen”.

How does the evaluation of BPC requests for people with disabilities via videoconference work?

On February 8th, it was published in the Official Gazette of the Union, Ordinance No. 978, carrying out the assessment of BPC requests for people with disabilities via videoconference, that is, remote assessment.

These services will be available through remote service channels: Meu INSS and Call Center.

This procedure is valid throughout the national territory and beneficiaries from all over the country can carry it out.

The procedure is alternative, meaning the individual chooses whether to undergo an in-person or remote assessment. This choice can be made through the remote service channels mentioned above.

However, the video assessment is carried out at INSS or at the premises of partner entities, which means that the beneficiary will still have to appear on the scheduled date for the appointment.

What changes is that the assessment will be done via videoconference, but at the INSS facilities, is that clear?

Although it may seem a little confusing, this measure was taken after suspicions of irregularities in the processing of medical examinations under the responsibility of the INSS.

Therefore, this seems to be a safer way to evaluate the BPC requests for people with disabilities.

Conclusion

If your benefit has already been approved and you need to schedule an in-person or remote assessment, download the app or visit the Meu INSS website.

If you prefer, you can call the Customer Service Center by dialing 135.

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