Medical Residents: Are You Aware of Your Right to Housing Assistance?

Did you know that medical residents in Brazil are entitled to housing assistance? Although this benefit is legally guaranteed, many healthcare institutions fail to comply with this obligation, leaving residents without the financial support they deserve.

If you are a medical resident or know someone in this situation, this article explains everything you need to know to claim this right.

What is housing assistance for medical residents?

Brazilian law ensures that medical residents must have proper conditions to perform their duties, including housing. If the institution responsible for the residency program does not provide accommodation, it must offer financial assistance to cover housing expenses.

This right is established under Law No. 6.932/1981, which regulates medical residency programs in Brazil.

Who is eligible for housing assistance?

All physicians enrolled in official, MEC-accredited medical residency programs are entitled to housing assistance if the hospital or institution does not provide adequate lodging.

Important:

• This applies to all residents, regardless of financial situation or relocation status.

• It is not an optional benefit, but rather a legal obligation of the residency program and hospital.

How much is the housing assistance?

The law does not set a fixed amount, but court rulings have determined that it should correspond to 30% of the residency stipend.

Currently, with the residency stipend at R$ 4,106.09, the housing allowance could be approximately R$ 1,231.83 per month.

If you did not receive this benefit, you might be eligible to claim retroactive payments for up to five years.

How to apply for housing assistance?

1️⃣ Submit a formal request to your residency program, asking for the benefit.

2️⃣ If denied, seek legal guidance to ensure your rights are upheld.

3️⃣ Retroactive payments may be possible even after completing residency.

Why is housing assistance important?

Housing assistance is not an optional perk. It is meant to ensure proper living conditions for medical residents, allowing them to focus on training rather than covering expenses that should be the hospital’s responsibility.

If your institution is not providing housing or financial assistance, you should know your rights and take action accordingly.

For more details or a case evaluation, consider consulting a legal professional to explore your options.