Brazil

 

The Brazilian social protection system is based on three pillars that ensure coverage of the population against the risks faced throughout the lifecycle.

The first pillar consists of social insurance policy, which is contributory and requires compulsory affiliation. The social insurance system covers individuals in old age, those with disabilities and survivors. In addition, it provides maternity coverage, involuntary unemployment protection and also protection for the dependants of insured people who are detained.

The second pillar consists of social assistance policy, which is non-contributory and ensures universal coverage of the Brazilian population. This policy ensures a network of social assistance benefits that protects people in situations of increased vulnerability. The benefits provided by the system include a pension for the elderly and the disabled with limited resources. Programmes of income transfers for those with insufficient revenuese are also integrated into this policy, as are other programmes unified in 2003 under the umbrella of the Bolsa Família Programme.

The third pillar of social security encompasses health policy. Access to the third pillar is guaranteed for the entire population and is based on the principle of equity. In Brazil, health policy is embodied in the Unified Health System (SUS).

It is worth mentioning that the Brazilian social security system covers the entire population against all basic social risks under the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention (No. 102), 1952. 

Total population : 198.4 million
(UN Population Division | World Population Prospects, 2012)
GDP per capita (PPP US $) : 11719
(World Bank | WDI, 2011)
GDP growth (in %) : 2.7
(World Bank | WDI, 2011)
Human Development Index (HDI) : 0.718 [Rank: 84]
(UNDP | Human Development Indicators, 2011)
Total expenditures on health as % of GDP : 9.0
(WHO | WHO Statistical System, 2010)
Public expenditure on health as % of GDP : 4.2
(WHO | WHO Statistical System, 2010)
Govt. expenditure on health as % of total govt. Expenditure : 7.1
(WHO | WHO Statistical System, 2010)
Health expenditure not financed out of pocket by private households (% total health expenditure) : 69.4
(WHO | WHO Statistical System, 2010)
Public social security expenditure (including health) as % of PIB : 21.18
(ECLAC, 2009) Map
Share of population above the statutory retirement age benefiting from an old-age pension : 84
(ILO Social security inquiry, 2010) Map
Share of economically active population contributing to a pension scheme : 40.7
(ILO Social security inquiry, 2010) Map
Share of unemployed receiving regular periodic unemployment benefits : 7.8
(ILO Social security inquiry, 2010) Map

Link to SSI: Statistics | Brazil


Social security schemes and programs by branch

Social Assistance Programmes

 

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RESOURCES

As boas práticas brasileiras em seguridade social
OIT Brasilia; Programa de Parceria Brasil/OIT para a Promoção da Cooperação Sul-Sul na Área de Seguridade Social, 2013
Social security and food security - Successful policy experiences in Brazil
Delgado, G. C., 2012
The Rural Social Insurance Programme - Brazil
Duarte Barbosa, E., 2011

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WORKSPACES

Background on South-South Cooperation in Social Security

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NEWS & Calendar

Brazil: Over R$ 3 billions in 2012 were invested in the extension of social protection
Brazil declares war on 'chronic poverty', 7 June 2011
CIPS News 08, February 2011

See all
Links

Bolsa família
Bolsa família, 2011
CIPS Brazil country page
Information Center on Social Protection (CIPS), 2009

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Page updated 2013-03-07

 
Helmut Schwarzer
schwarzer@ilo.org