DESAFIOS E BARREIRAS ENFRETADAS PELOS IDOSOS NO ACESSO AO BENEFÍCIO DE PRESTAÇÃO CONTINUADA (BPC) EM VITORIA DA CONQUISTA: UMA ANÁLISE DAS DIFICULDADES BUROCRÁTICAS E SOCIAIS

This study investigates the main bureaucratic and social difficulties faced by the elderly in Vitória da Conquista in accessing the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC), which was established by the Organic Law of Social Assistance (LOAS). The BPC aims to guarantee dignity and social protection to the elderly in vulnerable situations. Using qualitative methodology, with bibliographic and documentary research, the study analyzes authors such as Guedes, Gonçalves, Ferreira, Monteiro and Feres, who address the relevance of the benefit and the obstacles to its implementation. The results indicate that the complexity of the administrative processes, the requirement to update the Single Registry and the digitalization of services make it difficult for the elderly to access the BPC. In addition, social factors, such as the lack of family support and the stigma associated with social assistance, aggravate the exclusion of this population. It is concluded that overcoming these obstacles requires simplifying procedures, expanding face-to-face service and strengthening social support networks. The study reinforces the importance of inclusive public policies to guarantee the fundamental rights of the elderly and promote equity in access to social assistance.