The Chamber of Deputies approves a bill that changes INSS rules and restricts loan payments.

The Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that changes the rules of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) on payroll loans and benefit discounts. The vote took place in the early hours of Thursday (4) and the proposal will now be analyzed by the Senate.

The text prohibits the INSS from making automatic payroll deductions for unions, associations, and professional associations, even when authorized by retirees or pensioners. The exception is for benefit advances made by banks, such as the Meu INSS Vale+ program.

Rapporteur Danilo Forte (União-CE) included a relevant change: the definition of the interest rate ceiling for loans will leave the National Social Security Council and be transferred to the National Monetary Council, which must balance protection for the insured and market sustainability.

The bill also requires the INSS to identify beneficiaries harmed by irregular deductions. The search should involve audits, reports, lawsuits, and significant complaints, with priority given to the elderly, vulnerable individuals, and those living in remote areas.

Financial institutions will have 30 days to refund amounts charged illegally. If they fail to comply, the INSS (National Institute of Social Security) will refund the beneficiary and take legal action to recover the funds. The bill prohibits the use of Social Security funds for this purpose. If necessary, reimbursement will come from the Federal Budget or the Credit Guarantee Fund.

INSS will have mandatory biometrics

Another measure requires that all INSS loan agreements be validated biometrically, with facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a qualified electronic signature. Only companies accredited under the ICP-Brasil standard may issue signatures.

Each transaction will require confirmation from the insured, automatic blocking for new loans, and in-person unblocking at a branch. The bill prohibits the use of powers of attorney and telephone assistance for this process. INSS branches must install biometric terminals for immediate service, without appointments.

The text expands the work of the National Council for the Rights of the Elderly, which will use the National Elderly Fund for digital inclusion, financial education, and scam prevention initiatives.

The bill also updates Decree-Law 3.240/41. Judges will now be able to authorize asset freezes during police investigations, without requiring a request from the Public Prosecutor's Office. The seizure will also cover shell companies and assets transferred for free in connection with INSS fraud.

During the debate, rapporteur Danilo Forte stated that the agency contributed to the illegal deductions by sharing beneficiary data with Dataprev without proper verification. "It was the INSS that facilitated the operation," he said.

Government-supporting deputies criticized the lack of harsher penalties for banks. Renildo Calheiros (PCdoB-PE) stated that the law is "very favorable to financial institutions." Chico Alencar (PSOL-RJ) and Fernanda Melchionna (PSOL-RS) echoed the criticism, while Rogério Correia (PT-MG) argued that, in the event of future losses, "the banks should pay for it, not the INSS."