Bolsa Família: How it Works and Who is Eligible

Get to know the country's main social program, Find out everything about it Bolsa Família: How it Works and Who is Eligible.

Bolsa Família is certainly one of the most important social programs in Brazil. It was created to help families in financial difficulties, offering a monthly amount to help with expenses such as food, education and health.

So, despite being very well-known, many people still have doubts about how the program works, who can sign up and what the obligations are for families who receive the benefit.

However, this article will help you understand everything about the Family Allowance and how you can participate in it.

What is Bolsa Família?

Firstly, the Family Allowance It is a government program that provides financial assistance to families living in poverty and extreme poverty.

The main objective of the program is to ensure that these families have access to basic needs, such as food, school for the children and medical care.

In 2023, the program was reformulated, replacing the Brazil Aid and going back to being called Family Allowance.

Finally, in addition to financial support, it is part of a set of actions that seek to improve the lives of these families, so that they can, in the future, overcome difficulties.

Who Can Receive Bolsa Família?

O Family Allowance is aimed at families in two main groups:

• Families in extreme poverty: These are those with an income per person of up to R$105.00 per month.
• Families in poverty: They have an income per person between R$ 106.00 and R$ 218.00 per month.

Families with pregnant women, children and adolescents up to 18 years of age have priority to receive the benefit.

How is the Benefit Amount Calculated?

The amount each family receives depends on the composition of the family and its economic situation.

Thus, the Family Allowance has three main types of benefits:

• Early Childhood Benefit: Paid to families with children up to 6 years old. The amount is R$ 150.00 per child.
• Variable Benefit: Paid to families with pregnant women, nursing mothers (mothers who breastfeed), or children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. The amount is R$ 50.00 per family member who fits this profile.
• Citizenship Income Benefit: This is the basic amount, paid to all families that fall within the poverty or extreme poverty rules. The amount is R$ 142.00 per person in the family.

In addition, a Extraordinary Benefit to ensure that no family receives less than R$600.00 per month.

How to Apply for Bolsa Família?

To participate in the Family Allowance, the family must be registered in the Single Registry (CadÚnico), which is the system used by the government to manage social benefits.

However, registration can be done at Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) or at city halls.

You will need to bring some documents from all family members, such as:

• ID or CPF
• Birth or marriage certificate
• Work permit
• Proof of residence

After all, after the registration is completed, the information will be analyzed and, if the family meets the criteria, it will be automatically included in the program.

Obligations of Families Receiving Bolsa Família

Who receives the Family Allowance There are some responsibilities that must be fulfilled to continue receiving the benefit.

So, these obligations are important to ensure that the family is taking care of the development of children and adolescents.

The main ones are:

• Education: Children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 must have a school attendance of at least 85%, and young people aged 16 to 17 must have a minimum attendance of 75%.
• Health: Pregnant women should have prenatal care, and mothers need to ensure that their children receive mandatory vaccinations.
• Registration Update: If there are changes in the family (such as the birth of a child, change of address, etc.), it is necessary to update the registration at CRAS or at the city hall.

After all, if these obligations are not met, the family may have their benefit suspended or cancelled.

How to Consult the Bolsa Família

Families that are already registered in the Family Allowance You can check your balance and payment dates in several ways:

• Caixa Tem App: The official Caixa Econômica Federal app allows you to see the payment amount and date.
• Caixa Call Center: Just call 111 and provide your personal details to check your benefit.
• Online consultation: On the Caixa Econômica Federal website, using the CPF and NIS (Social Identification Number), it is also possible to consult the benefit.

When is Bolsa Família paid?

Payments are made according to the final NIS number, and Caixa Econômica Federal publishes the calendar every year.

Therefore, the dates are distributed throughout the month to avoid queues and facilitate service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I receive Bolsa Família and other benefits? Yes, you can accumulate the Family Allowance with other benefits, such as the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC), as long as your family meets the rules of each program.
2. What if my income increases? If your income increases but is still below R$218.00 per person, you will continue to receive Bolsa Família. If your income exceeds this amount, the benefit may be suspended. However, there is a rule that allows you to continue in the program for another two years, as long as your income per person does not exceed half the minimum wage.
3. What to do if the benefit is canceled? If your benefit is canceled, contact CRAS or the city hall to find out the reason and, if necessary, request a review of your registration.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Family Allowance It is essential for millions of Brazilians, helping to combat poverty and ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable families.

Understanding how the program works, who can participate, and families’ obligations helps ensure that the benefit is used in the best possible way.

For more information, visit the Federal Government website below for contact and further questions.
https://www.gov.br/mds/pt-br/acoes-e-programas/bolsa-familia

So, if you fit the program rules, look for the CRAS in your city and register to guarantee this help for your family.