MEI and INSS: Benefits, Waiting Periods, and Retirement in 2026

An MEI (Microempreendedor Individual, Individual Microentrepreneur) who pays the DAS (Documento de Arrecadação do Simples Nacional, Simples Nacional tax payment slip) on time is entitled to INSS (Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social, national social security institute) benefits: old-age retirement, temporary or permanent disability benefits, maternity pay (salário-maternidade) and, for dependents, survivor's pension (pensão por morte) and prison-confinement benefit (auxílio-reclusão). Each has a waiting period (carência), and the benefit amount is, as a rule, one minimum wage (R$ 1,621.00 in 2026).

What the MEI's contribution covers

The MEI contributes 5% of the minimum wage in the DAS (R$ 81.05 in 2026). That amount provides access to Social Security (Previdência) as long as the slips are paid and the waiting period for each benefit is met. If the entire contribution history is as an MEI, the benefit equals one minimum wage; those with contributions in other categories may receive more.

Waiting period for each benefit

The waiting period (carência) is the minimum number of contributions paid before applying for the benefit.

• Old-age retirement: women from age 62 with 15 years of contributions (180 months); men from age 65 with 20 years of contributions (240 months).
• Temporary disability benefit (formerly auxílio-doença, sickness benefit): as a rule, 12 contributions; the waiting period is waived in cases of accident and in other situations provided by law.
• Permanent disability benefit (formerly aposentadoria por invalidez, disability retirement): same general rule of 12 contributions, with an INSS evaluation.
• Maternity pay: 10 contributions, lasting 120 days in cases of childbirth, stillbirth, adoption, or custody for adoption, and 14 days in cases of miscarriage or as provided by law.
• Survivor's pension: no waiting period, but the deceased must have had insured status on the date of death.
• Prison-confinement benefit: 24 contributions.

How to keep insured status

As a rule, insured status (qualidade de segurado) lasts up to 12 months after the last contribution. If the MEI stops paying for too long, it can be lost, and earlier contributions may not be enough for the benefit. Paying the DAS on time every month is the safest way to keep coverage; see the guide on the DAS-MEI.

MEI retirement and top-up contributions

The MEI contributes on the minimum wage, and retirement is calculated on that basis. As an individual contributor, the MEI can top up with an additional 15% on the minimum wage, which can increase the benefit amount. To decide whether it is worth it, check your statement in the CNIS (Cadastro Nacional de Informações Sociais, National Social Information Registry) and simulate the scenario on Meu INSS.

How to apply for a benefit

1. Log in to Meu INSS (website or app) with your gov.br account.
2. Check your contributions and the status of your DAS.
3. Choose the benefit and attach the requested documents (for example, medical certificate, birth certificate, or documents for the event).
4. Track progress on Meu INSS or through the Central 135 phone line.

If the request is denied, you can file an appeal with the INSS, and in some cases go to court. For those who need support, see the guide on sickness benefit (auxílio-doença).

Frequently asked questions

Is an MEI entitled to maternity pay?

Yes, as long as the waiting period is met and insured status is maintained. The benefit lasts 120 days in cases of childbirth.

Does an MEI with an overdue DAS lose the benefit?

Paying late requires issuing a new slip with fine and interest. A contribution only counts when it is paid, so delays can affect the waiting period and insured status.

Can an MEI retire by age?

Yes, if they meet the age and minimum contribution time: women age 62 with 15 years of contributions, and men age 65 with 20.

Read also

• Sickness benefit 2026: who is entitled, amount, and Atestmed
• CNIS: how to check and correct your INSS contributions
• Maternity and paternity leave 2026: rules