Bolsa Família: Benefits for Brazilian families

Bolsa Família is the main social benefit in Brazil. Through it, more than 21 million families receive financial resources aimed at improving their quality of life. 

Although it is a popular benefit, many people still have doubts about it, especially beneficiaries.

Therefore, today, we will clarify the main doubts about the program. Don't forget to check it out! 

How does Bolsa Família work?

Bolsa Família is a Federal Government income transfer program whose objective is to reduce poverty and extreme poverty in Brazil. 

Therefore, the program benefits families living in a situation of social vulnerability, with a monthly income per person of up to R$218.00. 

The value of the benefit varies depending on family composition and monthly income per person.

In September 2023, the minimum value of Bolsa Família is R$600.00, with increases of R$150 per child up to 6 years old and R$50 per child over 7 years old and young people under 18 years old.

Families with pregnant women in their composition also receive the additional amount of R$50 per pregnant woman, limited to two pregnant women per family.

What causes a person to be removed from the program?

To join the program, it is possible to meet some requirements, and if these requirements are not met, families may lose their right to the benefit. 

Below are the main reasons that could cause you to lose your benefit. 

1. Income above the limit

Bolsa Família is aimed at families with a monthly per capita income of up to R$218.00. If the family's income increases above this limit, the benefit may be cancelled. 

If the family's per capita income increases by up to half the minimum wage, it will not be removed from the program immediately.

In this case, the family falls under the Protection Rule. This rule was created to prevent families who are improving their lives from losing the Bolsa Família benefit abruptly.

However, the value of the financial resource will also differ, that is, she will only receive 50% of the amount she would have been entitled to if it had not been included in the Protection Rule. 

It is important to highlight that the two-year period is counted from the date of income update in CadÚnico.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the Protection Rule is not automatic. Families that meet the criteria must look for a service center at the Single Registration to request inclusion in the rule.

2. Lack of registration update

Families benefiting from Bolsa Família must update their registration data every two years. If the update is not made, the benefit may be cancelled. 

If there is a change in family income, address and other important data, the update must be carried out immediately. 

3. Registration inconsistencies

If inconsistencies are identified in the family's registration data, the benefit may be canceled. 

4. Lack of school attendance

Children and adolescents benefiting from Bolsa Família must attend school regularly. If school attendance is less than 85%, the benefit may be cancelled. 

5. Lack of vaccination

Children and adolescents benefiting from Bolsa Família must be up to date with their vaccinations. If vaccination is not up to date, the benefit may be cancelled. 

Other than that, pregnant women must have complete prenatal care.

In addition to these situations, Bolsa Família can also be canceled if the family is identified as a beneficiary of another Federal Government income transfer program, such as Continuous Payment Benefit (BPC).

In case of loss of Bolsa Família, the family must contact a Single Registry (CadÚnico) service point to check the reason for the cancellation and take the necessary measures to regularize the situation.

If you are no longer entitled to the benefit, download the Bolsa Família application and disconnect from the benefit on your own.

By doing this, you will have priority in the waiting list if you need to return to the program.