In 2025, the minimum retirement age undergoes some changes. The planned changes to the pension system are the result of a gradual implementation process of the Pension Reform, approved in 2019, which is expected to extend until 2031.
On this January 24th, Social Security Day, we bring in social security lawyer Jefferson Maleski from Celso Cândido de Souza Advogados to clarify the main impacts of these changes. ‘The transition rules aim to soften the impact of the new regulations for those who were already under the previous retirement rules but had not yet met the necessary requirements for retirement,’ explains the lawyer.
According to him, there are two important changes for 2025:
- The Transition Rule by Points:
This rule applies to those who need to reach a minimum score, adding age and contribution time. In 2025, women will need to reach 92 points to retire, while men will need to reach 102 points. For women, the minimum required contribution time is 30 years, and for men, 35 years.
‘The score is progressive, meaning that each year, the number of points required to retire will increase. For example, in three years, men will need 105 points, and women, 95 points, but women will see an increase up to 100 points when they meet the final requirements of the reform, as defined by Constitutional Amendment 103,’ says Maleski.
- The Progressive Minimum Age Rule:
Another important change involves the minimum retirement age, which remains progressive in 2025. For women, the minimum age will be 59, while for men it will be 64. This age requirement will be adjusted annually, increasing by six months per year. For example, in 2026, women will need 59 and a half years, and men, 64 and a half.
‘Additionally, it is important to note that for both rules, the contribution time must also be met: 30 years for women and 35 years for men,’ comments the lawyer.
How can the public prepare and plan for retirement?
Maleski’s main recommendation is that workers close to retirement should continue contributing to INSS, especially those who have not yet met the requirements but are close to doing so. For those who have lost their jobs, it is essential to maintain voluntary contributions using INSS payment slips, ensuring that the contribution time continues to count.
Maleski also warns about the risk of incorrect or outdated information found online. ‘Often, online guidance can be outdated or misinterpreted. Therefore, the suggestion is for the public to seek information directly through INSS official channels, such as the phone number 135, the Meu INSS app, or the Meu INSS website,’ he says.
If there are discrepancies in the data from the National Social Information Registry (CNIS) or if the INSS information does not match what the worker believes to be their contribution time, a social security lawyer can be consulted for proper retirement planning, clarifying the best options to ensure retirement.
Maleski emphasizes that although the changes are significant, Brazil’s pension system continues to offer retirement possibilities for different worker profiles. The key is to stay well-informed and engage in good planning to ensure that the new rules do not harm those who are already close to retiring.
