INSS proof of life from the United States
Anyone receiving an INSS benefit, a retirement or a public-body pension while living in the United States has to prove they are alive, and there are ways that do not involve the consulate. The Washington consulate lists three methods, and two are remote.
The three methods
Biometrics on your phone: with the gov.br single login and the Meu INSS and gov.br apps, without going to the consulate.
A notarized form: the INSS-specific proof-of-life form, signed before a notary public (signature acknowledgment) and then apostilled by the US authorities.
And the certificate at the consulate, booked through e-Consular.
Washington also offers the service by video call, with the documents mailed afterwards, likewise booked through e-Consular.
What it costs at the consulate
The proof-of-life certificate costs US$ 5 in the Los Angeles, Miami and Washington fee tables. Miami accepts payment by debit card on e-Consular, with a 4% fee, or by USPS money order.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Biometrics | Meu INSS and gov.br apps |
| Form | notary public + apostille |
| At the consulate | US$ 5 |
- gov.br login and the Meu INSS and gov.br apps, for biometrics
- Or the INSS form signed before a notary public and apostilled
- Or photo ID, at the consulate
Why not to let it slide
Washington points out that since May 2021 the INSS has resumed blocking and suspending benefits when proof of life is missing. Retirees and pensioners of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have their own form and attend once a year, in their birthday month.
Documents accepted for the certificate
On the Washington page, a Brazilian can identify themselves with a passport, even an expired one, the RG, the CNH (also if expired), the work booklet or a professional ID recognized by federal law.
A foreign national uses their passport or National Migration Registry card, valid or not, as long as the photo identifies them. A document that is defaced, torn or too old to identify the holder is refused.
In Miami, the certificate is requested in person, at the consulate or a mobile consulate, with the completed form, the photo ID, the CPF number and a plain copy of it. It is issued on the spot. Miami publishes three forms: one for the INSS, one for retirees and pensioners of public bodies and one for other purposes.
Who sends the certificate to Brazil
The consulate issues the certificate but does not send it. According to Miami and Washington, the person concerned mails the document to the body that asked for it, whether the INSS or the bank that pays the benefit, usually by mail. Check the mailing address with that body before you send it.
For questions about the certificate, Washington gives the email atos.cgwashington@itamaraty.gov.br.
Who the certificate is for
The certificate is not only for the INSS. According to Washington, it also covers retirement and pension payments from public bodies and reserve pay or pensions from the Armed Forces. The return of benefit blocks for missing proof of life came with INSS Ordinance No. 1,299 of May 12, 2021.
If you choose the video call in Washington, you fill in a specific form and sign it during the call; the documents then go by mail.
Without proof of life, the INSS blocks and suspends the benefit.Details verified on 4 October 2026.
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The information comes from official sources that sometimes disagree with one another, and is reviewed regularly. Confirm before you travel.