In a recent development, the Brazilian Institute of Social Security (INSS) has implemented a national queue system initiated in January, intended to streamline the processing of benefit requests across the country. Eduardo da Costa, a 53-year-old man suffering from severe health issues, including advanced-stage skin cancer, submitted his request for incapacity benefits on December 25, 2025, yet he was scheduled for a medical examination only in March, illustrating the ongoing bottlenecks in the system.

Eduardo's situation is further exacerbated by the inadequacies of the INSS's digital platforms designed for beneficiaries to expedite their claims. He has been unable to receive face-to-face assistance from INSS agencies and is entirely reliant on digital channels, which are often unstable and unresponsive. This precarious state of support amplifies the distress for Eduardo, who is unable to work as a motoboy due to his medical condition, leaving him without any income.

While the introduction of the national queue aims to alleviate regional disparities in application processing times, the case of Eduardo underscores a critical gap in the system, where individuals with pressing health needs are still not receiving timely care. Efforts to improve the infrastructure and efficiency of the INSS's services remain urgent as patients like Eduardo navigate significant hurdles in seeking essential support to manage their severe health challenges and financial instability.