Introduction On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the existence of a pandemic by SARS-CoV-2. On May 10, 2021, Brazil had reached the 410,000 mark, becoming the second country in number of deaths from COVID-19 and more than 15 million infected. COVID-19 generates withdrawal from work activities and consequent social security benefits. Knowing the profile of employees and benefits can contribute to a better overview of occupational approaches to COVID-19.

Objective To analyze social security benefits generated by COVID-19 leave in Brazil.

Methodology Descriptive analysis of data from the Observatory of Safety and Health at Work, in the period 2020, referring to social security benefits by COVID-19, with a comparative analysis of the year 2019. All social security gaps were considered. Used ICD - 10 = U07 and B34. Data analyzed: state of Brazil, occupation, economic activity, notification with ‘report of work accident - CAT’, age, gender, economic sector.

Results 50 thousands were dismissed from social security benefits in 2020 according to CID U07 and B34. The state of Sao Paulo had the highest frequency with 36%. Men were 68%. The most prevalent economic sector was hospital (15%) and the occupation was nursing technicians (38%) The most frequent age group in men was 18–24 years and in women, it was 35 to 39 years.

Conclusion Occupational epidemiology acting in the analysis of secondary, social security data on COVID-19 can contribute to the definition of public policies, expanding health promotion and prevention.