An Introduction to Brazil’s Social Security System

Abstract

Brazil’s Social Security System, as shaped by the Federal Constitution, is a complex public policy of social protection. As stipulated in article 194 of the Federal Constitution, the Social Security System is an integrated set of actions initiated by public authorities and society to ensure the rights to health, social assistance (both non-contributory benefits), and social security in the strictest sense (contributory benefits). This chapter explains the three structural elements or parts of Brazil’s Social Security System, the principles, and the most important characteristics of each subsystem. The chapter also details some options of the legal terms used in this translation, demonstrating that there is no precise correspondence, because the Brazilian legal system is unique in its social protection scheme.