Social Security Law
Did INSS deny your benefit?
A retirement claim, sick pay, BPC or survivor’s pension that was denied — or a benefit granted at a lower amount than it should be — can be challenged. Understand your rights and the possible next steps.
Situations we handle
A denied benefit isn’t always the final word
Many claims are denied due to documentation gaps, a mistaken interpretation of the contribution history, or a medical examination result that doesn’t reflect reality. See common situations we handle:
Retirement by Age or Contribution Time
Review of your contribution time and your right to retirement under the current rules.
Disability Benefit and Sick Pay
Denial of a disability benefit or improper termination of sick pay.
BPC/LOAS
Assistance benefit for elderly people and people with disabilities in a situation of vulnerability.
Survivor's Pension
Dependents' rights and questions about the granting or amount of the benefit.
Benefit Review
The possibility of reviewing the calculation of a benefit already granted by INSS.
INSS Medical Examination
What to do when the result of a medical examination doesn't reflect your actual health condition.
Didn’t find your situation? Every case is unique — tell us what happened.
How it works
A simple first step, free of charge
You tell us what happened
An initial, free conversation to understand the benefit in question and what has already been done with INSS.
We evaluate your case
We review the INSS decision, your contribution history and the available documentation.
You understand the next steps
We explain the possibilities — administrative appeal, lawsuit or review request — without promising results.
The firm
Technical representation for social security matters
Schwab Alonso Advogados handles administrative claims, benefit reviews and social security lawsuits, with detailed document review and the definition of the best administrative or judicial strategy for each case — always with transparency about the real possibilities of your situation.
Learn about the firmFrequently asked questions
Questions we hear often
INSS denied my benefit claim. What should I do?
You can file an administrative appeal with the Social Security Appeals Council (Conselho de Recursos do Seguro Social) within the deadline stated in the decision, or go directly to court, depending on the strategy that best fits your case. Gathering the documentation and history of your claim helps your lawyer assess the best path forward.
How much time do I have to appeal an INSS decision?
The deadline for an administrative appeal is usually 30 days from the date you were notified of the decision, but it can vary depending on the type of benefit and the path chosen (administrative or judicial). It's best to seek guidance as soon as you receive the denial.
Can I request a new medical examination if I disagree with the INSS examination result?
In certain situations, it is possible to challenge the result of an INSS medical examination, including through a new examination as part of an administrative appeal or a court-ordered examination in a social security lawsuit.
My benefit has already been granted, but I think the amount is wrong. Can I request a review?
There are different grounds for reviewing benefits that have already been granted, depending on how the calculation was originally made and any changes in the legal interpretation. A social security lawyer can assess whether your case supports a review request.
If your benefit was denied, talk to our team
The first contact is free and helps us understand what happened with your claim.