Income transfer program for people with disabilities over 16 years old in Brazil

Abstract

Background: The Continuous Cash Benefit Program, known by BPC, is a public policy for assistance that guarantees a monthly income of a minimum wage to the elderly over 65 years old and people with disabilities in a state of poverty. The objective of this study was to analyze the socio-demographic profile of BPC applicants of people with disabilities, their concessions, and rejections, in the category over 16 years old and to identify the prevalence of the main International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) among the BPC concessions, and the main determinants of the concession. Methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional and retrospective study, with applicants for BPC - People with Disabilities - 16 years or older as of the target audience. The Expert Medical Assessment forms provided by the National Social Security Institute of Brazil from May 2015 to October 2017 were analyzed. Results: The rejections exceeded the concessions, and the incomplete elementary education, mental and behavioral disorders prevailed as the predominant ICD-10 among the 1134 applications analyzed. The main cause of rejection corresponded to the non-fulfillment of the disability criteria for access to the BPC. Concession rates were lower for women, and moderate, severe and complete degrees led to higher concession rates. Conclusion: Although there are social assistance laws for people with disabilities and low income, this population is still in a state of vulnerability.