Step by Step Guide to Applying for Retirement by Age

Applying for Retirement by Age is a milestone in the lives of millions of Brazilians.

In this sense, it represents not only the recognition of years of work, but also the opportunity to plan a new phase with security and dignity.

However, the process for requesting this benefit can seem like a bureaucratic maze, full of details that require attention.

This guide offers a detailed, creative and strategic step-by-step guide to applying for retirement by age.

So, with precise information, practical examples, an enlightening analogy, relevant statistics and answers to the most common questions.

Prepare to navigate this process with confidence and clarity.

After all, who doesn’t want to turn years of effort into a peaceful future?

With the right information and a smart approach, you can ensure that your application for old age pension is a success, without any unpleasant surprises.

Let's dive into the details and demystify each step, with a human, accessible and engaging tone.

1. Understanding the Requirements for Applying for Retirement by Age

Before starting the process of applying for retirement by age, it is essential to understand the requirements set by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS).

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To this end, Brazilian legislation establishes clear criteria, such as minimum age and contribution time.

In 2025, men must be at least 65 years old and women 62 years old, in addition to a minimum of 15 years of contributions to the INSS.

However, nuances such as periods of rural work or optional contributions may impact eligibility, requiring a detailed analysis.

For example, imagine Maria, a 63-year-old self-employed worker who contributed for 16 years as a seamstress.

She believes she is eligible, but discovers that some contributions were not recorded correctly.

Therefore, before filing the request, Maria needed to regularize her situation with the INSS, proving the periods worked.

This case illustrates the importance of checking every detail, as small errors can delay or even make the benefit unfeasible.

Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the impact of the 2019 Pension Reform, which changed rules and created transitions.

For those who were already in the market before the reform, there are transitional rules that can reduce the minimum age or the qualifying period.

Therefore, consulting a specialist or using INSS tools, such as the retirement simulator, can avoid surprises.

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By the way, according to data from IBGE (2023), around 30% of requests for retirement by age are initially denied due to lack of adequate documentation.

Don't let this happen to you!

2. Organizing the Necessary Documentation

Organizing documentation is like putting together a puzzle: each piece must be in the right place to form the complete picture.

To apply for retirement by age, you will need personal documents, proof of contributions and, in some cases, additional records, such as employment contracts or proof of rural activity.

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So, start by gathering your ID, CPF, work card, proof of payment to the INSS (such as payment slips) and extracts from the National Social Information Registry (CNIS).

Consider the case of John, a 66-year-old farmer who worked for 20 years as a family farmer.

He needed to gather statements from the rural union and sales receipts for agricultural products to prove his length of service.

Furthermore, João faced difficulties in locating old documents, but managed to regularize everything with the help of a social security lawyer.

This example reinforces the importance of organizing documents in advance, especially for those with a history of informal work.

Furthermore, it is recommended to check the CNIS in advance, as it is the basis for calculating the INSS.

If there are inconsistencies, such as unrecorded contributions, you can correct them by providing additional evidence.

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For your convenience, the table below summarizes the essential documents and their purposes:

Document	Purpose	Observation
ID and CPF	Identification of the applicant	Certified copies may be required.
Work Card	Prove periods worked	Make sure all notes are clear
CNIS Extract	Official record of contributions	Available on the Meu INSS portal
Contribution Receipts	Validate payments to INSS	Includes guides for self-employed or optional workers
Declaration of Rural Work	Prove rural activity, if applicable	Requires validation by a union or notary office

3. How to Apply for Retirement by Age

Now that you know the requirements and have organized the documents, it's time to formalize the request.

The process can be done practically through the Meu INSS portal, app or, in specific cases, in person.

First, access the portal or application, log in with your gov.br account and select the option “Request Retirement by Age”.

The platform will guide you through filling out information and uploading documents.

However, please note: errors in filling out the form may delay the analysis.

By analogy, requesting retirement by age is like preparing a recipe: each ingredient (document) must be added in the right order, and the preparation time (INSS analysis) requires patience.

A common mistake is to underestimate the importance of reviewing information before submitting.

For example, Ana, a 62-year-old businesswoman, submitted her application without checking the CNIS and discovered, after months of waiting, that a year of contributions was not registered.

Fixing this took extra time and effort.

After submitting the request, track the status through Meu INSS.

The average analysis period, in 2025, is 90 to 120 days, but may vary.

If the request is denied, you have the right to appeal administratively or judicially.

Therefore, keeping copies of all submitted documents is a smart move.

Additionally, hiring a social security lawyer can speed up the process, especially in complex cases.

4. Planning for Post-Retirement

Achieving retirement age is just the beginning.

Planning how to use the benefit is essential to ensure financial security and quality of life.

Therefore, evaluate your monthly expenses and adjust your budget, considering that the retirement amount may be lower than expected.

In 2025, the INSS ceiling is approximately R$7,786.02, but many receive amounts close to the minimum wage, depending on their contribution history.

Additionally, explore options to supplement your income, such as low-risk investments or light self-employment.

For example, José, a 67-year-old retiree, decided to offer private math lessons, ensuring extra income without compromising his health.

This strategy not only increased her revenue, but also brought purpose to her routine.

And you, have you thought about how you will enjoy this new phase?

Another important point is to stay informed about additional rights, such as the INSS 13th salary and possible welfare benefits.

Furthermore, periodically reviewing your financial and social security situation can avoid surprises.

The table below highlights some practical tips for post-retirement planning:

Strategy	Benefit	Practical Tip
Budget Planning	Avoid excessive spending	Use financial control applications
Low Risk Investments	Guarantees extra income in the long term	Consider Treasury Direct or CDBs
Complementary Activities	Supplements income and maintains social engagement	Choose activities that bring you pleasure

5. Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Retirement by Age

The process of applying for retirement by age raises many questions, and answering them clearly is essential to avoid confusion.

Below, we present a table with the most common questions and their answers, based on updated information from the INSS and real experiences of policyholders:

Doubt	Response
Can I apply for retirement without 15 years of contributions?	No, a minimum of 15 years of contributions is mandatory, except in cases of hybrid retirement.
What happens if my request is denied?	You can appeal to the INSS within 30 days or seek legal support from a lawyer.
Can I continue working after I retire?	Yes, but the employer is not obliged to maintain the contract, except in specific cases.
How to correct errors in CNIS?	Present supporting documents, such as work cards or payment slips, to the INSS.
Does retirement by age give the right to the 13th salary?	Yes, all INSS retirees receive the 13th salary, paid in two annual installments.

6. Extra Tips for a Successful Process

Finally, some strategies can increase your chances of success when applying for retirement by age.

First, use the Meu INSS simulator to estimate the benefit value and confirm your eligibility.

Furthermore, keeping an organized file with all documents, physical and digital, makes any corrections easier.

For example, keeping proof of contributions from the beginning of your career can avoid future headaches.

Furthermore, another relevant aspect is to seek specialized guidance, especially if your professional history includes periods of informal work or sporadic contributions.

A lawyer or accountant can help identify gaps and propose solutions.

Furthermore, avoid procrastinating: the sooner you organize your documentation and start the application, the lower the risk of delays.

Finally, stay up to date on changes in social security legislation.

The INSS frequently updates rules and systems, and being informed ensures that you make the right decisions.

With patience, organization and the information in this guide, applying for retirement by age will be a smooth and successful process.