This article intends to evaluate the outstanding failures of public policies in the areas covered by social security in Brazil (health, social welfare). In its sequence, it is presented a set of proposals for a reform of the social security system, which aims at solving the main obstacles emanating from the system's crisis.Avaliação das principais falhas das políticas públicas brasileiras na área de seguridade social. Propostas para a reforma do sistema de seguridade social.