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The Expenses Cut Package Announced By The Government May Bring Significant Changes For Bolsa Família Beneficiaries. Understand What Is To Come
The federal government announced important changes to the Bolsa Família program, aiming to increase control over beneficiaries and ensure that resources reach those who truly need them. Government experts estimate that about 500,000 people are receiving the benefit irregularly.
The changes were detailed by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, as part of an expenses cut package that plans to save around R$ 17 billion between 2025 and 2030. See below what will happen to the program’s beneficiaries with the government’s new expenses cut package.
Focus On Re-Registration And Biometrics
The main novelty is the requirement of biometrics for registration and updating records, as well as a more frequent re-registration process. The measure aims to correct irregularities and assist families in vulnerable situations.
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There will also be greater control over one-person families, those composed of only one member, which represent a significant portion of irregular benefits granted.
Impact On Bolsa Família Beneficiaries
Created in 2003 and reformulated in 2023, Bolsa Família assists families with a per capita income of up to R$ 218 monthly, paying at least R$ 600, plus additional amounts for school-age children.
According to Haddad, the review of the program follows the model of a fine-tooth comb already applied to INSS, which reduced 51.7% of benefits after medical exams conducted from July to October.
In the past year, approximately 1.7 million one-person families were excluded from the program. Now, the government requires these beneficiaries to undergo home visits to validate or update their records, which is expected to intensify oversight.
Stricter Rules For One-Person Families
The initial expectation was that one-person families would represent 16% of the total beneficiaries. However, in two-thirds of Brazilian municipalities, this proportion exceeds 30%, which led the government to restrict grants in locations with percentages above the expected.
Rica Mello, an economist and founder of the BCBF group, explained to the Folha that the cuts are necessary to ensure that resources are directed to those who truly need them. “This savings will be redirected to other proposals aimed at the low-income population,” he stated.
Experts point out that the increase in bureaucracy may hinder access to benefits for those who need them the most.
Attorney Thiago Bernardo Corrêa emphasizes the need for transparency in the criteria applied and constant monitoring to avoid injustices. “The dynamics of Brazilian families change over time, and it is crucial that the rules keep up with these changes,” he said.
Since September, biometric registration has been required for granting the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC), reducing fraud and increasing efficiency. The same technology will be used for the Cadastro Único, ensuring greater accuracy in selecting beneficiaries.
Who Is Entitled?
To be included in Bolsa Família, it is necessary to be registered in the CadÚnico with updated information and have a per capita income of up to R$ 218 monthly. The calculation does not consider indemnities for damages or temporary benefits from programs such as gas aid.
The changes will be implemented through draft laws, and the government hopes that stricter oversight will strengthen the program’s credibility. The goal is for Bolsa Família to continue fulfilling its role in supporting the most vulnerable families, but with greater efficiency and fairness.
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