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The Federal Government Began a Review of the Bolsa Família Program to Review Registrations and Exclude Irregular Beneficiaries. The Measure Foresees a Cut of R$ 7.7 Billion in the 2025 Budget, Seeking to Ensure That Resources Reach Those Who Really Need It.
The Lula Government initiated a broad review of the Bolsa Família Program. The goal is to reduce R$ 7.7 billion from the 2025 budget. The operation is led by the Ministry of Social Development and involves changes to the rules, data cross-referencing, and new requirements for beneficiaries.
Stricter Rules for Single-Person Households
The main focus is on the so-called single-person beneficiaries — people who live alone. A new decree, published on Monday, 24, changed the rules for this group.
Now, to enter the program, these individuals will have to undergo home interviews. Previously, a self-declaration was sufficient.
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The official text states that single-person households that do not conduct the interview will not be able to enter the program.
Those already registered will undergo reevaluation. This measure is based on indications of more frequent fraud in this profile.
According to the government, the intention is to increase control and ensure that resources reach those who really need them.
Paragraph 4 of Article 18 of the decree establishes that exceptions to this rule will still be defined by the Minister of Development and Social Assistance.
Vulnerable Populations Are Exempt from the New Requirements
The ministry led by Wellington Dias made it clear that indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and people experiencing homelessness will not be affected by the new requirements. These groups will continue to have access to the benefit without the need for an in-person interview.
Since the beginning of Lula’s third term, the number of single-person beneficiaries has dropped by 2.4 million. The largest reduction occurred in March. There are still 3.5 million single-person households out of a total of 20.5 million families currently served.
Accelerated Review and Changes in the Protection Rule
The review of registrations gained traction starting in January 2025. Until the end of 2024, the process was slower. Wellington Dias’ team promises to intensify inspections to increase “efficiency in combating fraud.”
Another area of change involves the so-called “protection rules.” These rules allow families to continue receiving assistance for a period, even after an increase in income. The government plans modifications to make this transition more suitable.
Lula Requested a Budget Cut
On March 12, the government submitted a request to Congress for a reduction of R$ 7.7 billion in the Bolsa Família budget for 2025. The amount decreased from R$ 167.2 billion to R$ 159.5 billion.
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