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A New Federal Benefit Begins on Monday, 24, with National Reach and the Possibility of Including Millions of Families. The Release Will Be Automatic for Those Who Meet the Criteria, and the Consultation Can Be Done Through Official Channels
The federal government will start on Monday (24) the operation of the Gas of the People, a new benefit that will distribute free gas bottle recharges for low-income families.
The new policy replaces the old Cash Gas Aid for Brazilians, which was paid in cash, and will function with direct withdrawal of the gas bottle at accredited retailers. According to the MME, the initial phase will serve about 1 million families in ten selected capitals.
Who Will Be Able to Receive the Recharge Voucher
The government reports that the benefit will be aimed at families registered in CadÚnico with updated registration for at least 24 months and a per capita income of up to half the minimum wage. Priority will be given to Bolsa Família beneficiaries, with no need for application.
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The selection will be automatic, and the selected beneficiaries will receive notifications through Caixa’s channels, in addition to being able to check their status on the Meu Social app.
How the Bottle Withdrawal Will Work
The benefit will not be in cash. Each family will receive a recharge voucher valid for a specific period and will be able to withdraw a 13 kg gas bottle for free at participating retailers. To access the bottle, it will be necessary to present the Bolsa Família card, the Caixa debit card, or the CPF with a validation code sent via SMS.
Caixa will be responsible for validating the voucher and reimbursing the retailers, based on the reference price defined by the government.
Annual Limit of Bottles
The program defines different quantities according to family size. Groups of 2 to 3 members will be able to withdraw up to 4 bottles per year, with a minimum interval of 3 months between each withdrawal.
Families with 4 or more people will be entitled to up to 6 annual bottles, respecting a minimum interval of 2 months. These limits aim to organize the supply cycle and ensure that the benefit is distributed continuously.
Expected Expansion Until 2026
The MME states that the Gas of the People will be gradually expanded. The goal is to reach more than 15 million families by March 2026, reaching approximately 50 million people.
According to the government, the program helps combat so-called energy poverty by reducing the use of firewood, charcoal, or unsafe alternatives that especially affect women and children.
Points of Attention for the Beneficiary
To access the program, CadÚnico needs to be up to date, and any irregularities in the CPF may prevent the voucher from being validated.
The withdrawal depends on the network of accredited retailers, which is still in the process of being structured.
Furthermore, each voucher has a specific validity, and the release of new recharges follows the minimum deadlines defined by the government.
