title: [Which disability? Medical evaluation and social assistance in Brazil].
abstract: This article examines the concept of disability adopted by the most important cash transfer program targeting the disabled population in Brazil, the Continuous Cash Benefit (Benefício de Prestação Continuada--BPC). The study compares the eligibility criteria established by law and the criteria used by medical examiners in the beneficiary selection process. The data are from a sample survey of 16% of the medical examiners working in the program. The questionnaire aims to assess the instructions, forms, and procedures for selecting disabled beneficiaries. The results show a discrepancy between the formal program criteria and actual practice by the examiners, suggesting an expanded concept of disability aimed at including beneficiaries with genetic, chronic, and severe infectious diseases.
authors.affiliation: Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil. anis@anis.org.br
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.forename: Flávia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Squinca
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Medeiros
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D012943:Social Security; D012946:Social Welfare / Q000191:economics; D012947:Social Work