STF discusses payment schedule for retirees harmed by INSS fraud

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) is holding a conciliation hearing this Tuesday (24) that should define the payment schedule for retirees and pensioners who were victims of undue discounts on INSS benefits. The expectation is that the federal government will officially present a proposal to compensate the insured individuals affected by the fraud, which totals 3.2 million so far throughout the country.

The hearing was called by Minister Dias Toffoli, rapporteur of the actions that deal with the topic in the STF, after a request from the Attorney General's Office (AGU). According to the body, it is essential to “reflect on the adoption of alternative dispute resolution instruments, aiming both at the reparation of injuries already committed and at the prevention of new violations that are detrimental to the affected policyholders”.

The government has already indicated that it intends to make payments in a single installment by the end of this year, but the expectation now is to formalize a schedule that details how and when the reimbursements will be made.

The preliminary proposal that must be presented to the STF foresees payment in batches, with release every 15 days and without distinction between groups, in addition to including the correction of values.

To make the reimbursement possible, the government's strategy includes creating an extraordinary credit, outside the spending cap, using resources from the Federal Budget. This amount will serve as an advance until the legal actions seeking to recover assets and values ​​from the entities responsible for the fraud are concluded.

The most recent calculations indicate an amount of approximately R$2.1 billion, based on the disputes filed so far. However, the amount could reach R$3.5 billion if more retirees and pensioners file complaints. The INSS reported that the fraud may have affected 9 million policyholders.

If there is consensus at the meeting, the government expects to begin payments in July.