The government releases the refund of undue deductions to the heirs and retirees of deceased retirees

On Wednesday, the 19th, the federal government will begin a process for pensioners and heirs to request the return of amounts that were wrongfully deducted from the deceased’s entitlements. Requests for reimbursement can be submitted by two groups: retirees and heirs.

Between March 2020 and March 2025, about 800,000 deceased policyholders received deductions from associational entities added to their benefits, even after death, according to the National Institute of Social Security (INSS).

How can pensioners request a refund?

Anyone receiving a death benefit can request a refund remotely or in person. The options are:

• Via the Meu INSS app or website;
• via Central 135;
• By PreviousBarco;
• At authorized post offices.

The refunded amount will be divided among all pension holders of that benefit.

How can heirs request a refund?

In cases where the deceased person did not leave behind a death benefit, this involves two steps.

1. Recognizing the heir

First, the institute must formally recognize the status of successor or heir. To do this, in My INSS, you need:

1. Access to the option “View discounts from joint-venture entities”
2. Select “View deductions – deceased’s benefit – successor or heir”
3. Click “Request Analysis”

At this stage, the applicant must attach documents proving the status of the heir, such as:

A public instrument or declaration from the court with express authority to contest the payment on behalf of the successors;

Identity document and proof of address.

2. Return request

After INSS recognizes the status of the heir, it is now possible to request the return of the undue amounts. Application can be submitted:

• By my INSS;
• via Central 135;
• In post offices;
• By PreviousBarco.

In My INSS, the path is:

1. Go to “Consultation Requests” and locate “Successor/Heir Registration – Deductions from Partnership Entities”
2. Click on “View discounts offered by association entities”
3. Check deductions and determine which ones are allowed or unauthorized.
4. Fill in the required information and submit the application

As is the case for pensioners, the returned amount will be divided among all successors or heirs recognized by the National Social Security Institute.