INSS Opens Refund Path for Heirs in ‘Sem Desconto’ Case, Extends Contest Deadline

Overview

• New rules allow pension beneficiaries and recognized heirs to reclaim unauthorized deductions tied to the fraud uncovered by Operação Sem Desconto.
• Requests can be filed via Meu INSS, phone 135, PrevBarco or at Correios branches, with heirs first needing INSS recognition and documents such as a public deed or court order, ID and proof of address.
• INSS estimates about 800,000 affected beneficiaries had died before the scheme was exposed, and 98% of respondents say they did not authorize the charges.
• Since May, more than 6.1 million people have contested the deductions, with about 3.7 million reimbursed and an aggregate R$ 2.5 billion returned, according to INSS.
• The government extended the contestation window to February 14, 2026, and over 1 million eligible people have not yet adhered to the refund agreement, while one published report shows conflicting totals that the agency should clarify.