The Superior Court of Justice recognized an important right for thousands of self-employed workers: special retirement also applies to those who carry out unhealthy activities on their own account.

In its ruling on Theme 1,291, the Court confirmed that social security laws have never distinguished between employees and individual contributors, and that the decree used by the INSS to deny the benefit was unlawful.

The decision also ensures that these professionals may prove exposure to harmful agents through other means, such as technical reports and expert examinations, and reaffirms the solidarity-based nature of the social security system.

This represents another important step toward the consolidation of rights and the recognition of workers’ dignity.