The National Institute of Social Security (INSS) announced significant changes to the sick pay benefit, starting this week.
The changes aim to speed up the process of granting the benefit and make it more accessible to policyholders, minimizing bureaucracy and optimizing available resources.
New Granting Dynamics: Sickness Benefit
One of the main changes announced is the implementation of a more simplified system for granting sickness benefits.
Previously, policyholders faced a long and complex process, which involved several stages of medical evaluation and proof of incapacity.
However, with the new rules, the INSS intends to reduce the waiting time and facilitate access to the benefit.
Specifically, the new system provides for the possibility of granting sickness benefit automatically, without the need for an in-person medical examination in some specific cases.
This will occur when there are medical documents that clearly prove the insured's incapacity, such as reports and certificates issued by health professionals.
Therefore, the expectation is that this change will significantly reduce the waiting time for benefit approval, providing faster relief for those who require financial support due to debilitating illnesses.
Process Digitalization
Another important new feature is the increased use of digital tools to request and monitor sickness benefits.
In this sense, INSS has invested in the modernization of its systems and the digitalization of processes, allowing policyholders to make requests online, monitor the status of their requests and send necessary documents electronically.
Consequently, this aims to make the process more transparent and accessible, in addition to reducing the need to travel to INSS agencies.
Furthermore, the use of digital platforms such as the Meu INSS portal and the homonymous application facilitates insured persons' access to information and services offered by the INSS.
Therefore, digitalization should reduce claims processing time and provide policyholders with a more convenient and efficient experience.
Sickness Benefit: Expansion of Services
In addition to changes in the granting and digitalization process, INSS also announced the expansion of services to the public.
INSS will extend agency opening hours and open new units in strategic regions to better meet the growing demand for social security services.
This measure aims to provide faster and more efficient service, reducing queues and waiting times at physical units.
The expansion of services includes telephone centers and online chat to clarify doubts and provide guidance on sickness benefits and other social security benefits.
Expected Impacts
The changes announced by the INSS in the sickness benefit should bring a series of positive impacts for insured individuals.
Simplifying, digitizing and expanding services should facilitate access to the benefit and significantly reduce the waiting time for approval.
Furthermore, the modernization of processes should contribute to more efficient management of social security resources, allowing the INSS to serve a greater number of insured individuals with greater agility and transparency.
The new INSS measures aim at a more modern, accessible and efficient social security system, guaranteeing financial support to insured persons unable to work.
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