Companion Allowance: Who is Eligible and How to Apply?

THE companion assistance It is a benefit offered by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), intended for people retired due to disability who need permanent assistance to carry out daily activities.

What is the companion allowance?

The companion allowance, also known as the 25% supplement, is a supplementary benefit to disability retirement.

It was established to financially assist retirees who depend on others to perform basic tasks, such as bathing, eating, getting around or performing personal care.

The additional 25% is applied to the retirement value and, unlike other INSS benefits, may exceed the social security ceiling.

In other words, if the retiree already receives the maximum amount allowed by Social Security, the companion allowance will still be added.

Who is entitled to the companion allowance?

To be entitled to the companion allowance, you must comply with some specific requirements. Below are the main criteria that define who can receive the benefit:

#Disability retirement:

The benefit is only granted to people who have already retired due to disability. Retirees for other reasons, such as length of service or age, are not entitled to the benefit.

#Proven need for permanent assistance:

The retiree must prove that he or she needs constant help from another person to carry out essential daily activities.

This dependence can be caused by a serious illness, loss of mobility or another condition that severely limits the individual's autonomy.

#INSS medical evaluation:

The right to companion assistance is determined by means of a medical expertise carried out by the INSS.

During this assessment, the medical expert will check whether the person really needs continuous assistance.

#Diseases that can generate the right:

There is no fixed list of illnesses that guarantee companion assistance, but conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, blindness, paralysis and degenerative diseases are frequently associated with the granting of the benefit.

Each case is analyzed individually.

It is important to note that the additional 25% is only paid while the beneficiary is alive.

After death, the aid is cancelled and cannot be passed on to dependents or family members.

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How to apply?

The process for requesting companion assistance involves some formal steps, but it can be simplified if the retiree or his representative follows all the guidelines correctly.

Check out the updated step-by-step guide for 2024:

1. Scheduling a Medical Examination

The first step is to schedule a medical expertise at INSS. This can be done online, through My INSS (website or app) or by phone 135.

During scheduling, it is necessary to inform that the order is related to companion assistance.

2. Gather Medical Documents

To increase the chances of approval, it is essential to gather medical reports, receipts and reports that prove the need for ongoing assistance.

These documents must clearly describe the retiree's condition and their dependence on third parties.

Documents like medical certificates, physiotherapy reports and even photos that illustrate the difficulty of mobility may be useful.

All these elements will be analyzed by the INSS expert.

3. Carrying out the Expert Assessment

On the scheduled day, the retiree must appear at medical expertise accompanied, if necessary.

The medical expert will assess the health condition and determine whether there is really a need for a companion. This assessment is decisive in granting the benefit or not.

4. Expertise Result

After the assessment is carried out, the result can be consulted directly by My INSS or by phone 135.

If the benefit is granted, the retiree will receive the additional 25% about the value of your retirement.

If the request is denied, it is possible to file a administrative appeal at the INSS itself, presenting new documents that reinforce the need for assistance.

Another alternative is to seek legal action.

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Examples of situations in which companion assistance is granted

There are several conditions that may justify the granting of companion assistance. Below are some common examples that often result in the release of the benefit:

Neurodegenerative diseases:

Conditions like Alzheimer and Parkinson often leave the individual unable to perform daily activities without assistance.

The progressive worsening of these diseases usually leads to the granting of assistance.

Blindness or severe loss of vision:

People who have irreversibly lost their vision may be eligible for benefits, especially if blindness makes it difficult to perform basic self-care tasks.

Stroke:

Patients who have suffered a stroke and are left with significant motor or cognitive sequelae are also candidates for assistance, especially if they have lost the ability to move.

Paralysis or amputations:

The loss of limbs or permanent paralysis that limits the retiree's mobility are frequent reasons for granting companion assistance.

These are just a few examples, and it is important to remember that each case is analyzed individually. The essential thing is that the continued dependence on another person.

Differences between companion allowance and other benefits

Many people confuse the companion allowance with other INSS benefits.

However, it has very specific characteristics that differentiate it from aids such as sickness benefit or the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC).

Sickness benefit: Intended for workers who are temporarily unable to work. Unlike the companion allowance, it is not an additional benefit, but rather a substitute for the worker's income.
Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC): Aimed at people with disabilities or low-income elderly people, the BPC does not depend on retirement and does not grant the additional 25%.

These differences make it clear that the companion allowance is exclusive to those retired due to disability, and is a way of supplementing the benefit and guaranteeing the necessary assistance.

Common Questions about Companion Allowance (continued)

4. Can the companion allowance be requested by another person?
Yes. A person retired due to disability may authorize another person (a legal representative) to make the request on their behalf, provided that the appropriate documentation of power of attorney or guardianship is presented at the time of scheduling the medical examination.

5. How can I track the application process?
Monitoring can be done online through My INSS, either through the website or the app, or through the INSS call center, calling the number 135. The system will indicate what stage the request is at and whether there are any pending documents.

6. Can the companion allowance be suspended?
Yes. If the INSS identifies that the retiree no longer needs permanent assistance, either through a new assessment or reassessment, the benefit may be cancelled. It may also be suspended if there is a failure to comply with legal requirements or to provide information.

Impacts of companion assistance on the lives of retirees

The impact of companion assistance goes far beyond a simple financial addition.

The benefit is a way of recognizing the need for ongoing care that many retirees face.

In many cases, the extra money allows for the hiring of professional caregivers, relieving family members and ensuring that the retiree has a qualified assistance.

In 2024, with the increase in life expectancy and the prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, companion assistance becomes even more relevant to guarantee quality of life of retirees.

The benefit not only covers costs associated with care, but also provides security and tranquility for both retirees and their families, who often face financial and emotional hardships as they deal with debilitating health conditions.

Main benefits of companion assistance

Improvements in quality of life: The additional value allows the retiree to have access to more appropriate care, which directly reflects on their physical and emotional health.
Financial relief for the family: Caring for a retiree with special needs can be financially taxing for family members. Companion assistance helps reduce this impact by providing resources to hire outside help or cover medical expenses.
Security: Retired people due to disability who require ongoing care can have access to a level of assistance that ensures greater safety at home and in their daily activities.

Conclusion

THE companion assistance It is an essential tool to ensure that people retired due to disability, who need permanent care, can live with more dignity and comfort.

In 2024, with changes and updates to social security benefits, knowledge about rights related to this aid is crucial.

If you or someone you know meets the requirements to apply for companion assistance, it is important to pay attention to the details of the process and the necessary documentation.

The INSS medical examination is a fundamental step and, with the adequate support of medical reports and reports, the chances of obtaining the benefit increase significantly.

INSS offers digital and telephone channels to facilitate the application process, providing faster service and ensuring that retirees with reduced mobility or travel difficulties can make the application in an accessible way.

Finally, remember that companion assistance can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Knowing and exercising your rights can provide not only greater financial security, but also a better quality of life for retirees and their families.

Nara October 14, 2024

Government Financial Benefits