The appearance of inspectors in beneficiaries’ homes has generated anxiety and doubts.
Currently, more than 21 million families are eligible and registered to receive assistance from the Federal Government. For this reason, the Ministry of Social Development has announced the start of Bolsa Família inspections for 2023 since the beginning of the year. The objective is to confirm certain information about beneficiaries, even if this requires in-person visits. To understand how the visits will be carried out and how to prepare to receive the inspectors, continue reading this content.
How does the Bolsa Família benefit work?
Bolsa Família was reestablished, replacing the former Auxílio Brasil. It is a social program designed to support families with children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. However, it is a benefit for families who are in a situation of financial vulnerability and who need help to supplement their income at the end of the month. It ensures a monthly payment of up to R$1,900.00, but requires some basic criteria.
Who is entitled to Bolsa Família?
To ensure your right to Bolsa Família, you must belong to one of the family groups served by the program. Some of the basic criteria for eligibility include:
Citizens and family groups registered in the Single Registry (CadÚnico);
Families with pregnant women, breastfeeding women and individuals aged 0 to 21;
Emancipated teenagers with updated documentation;
Families in poverty, with a family income of up to R$218.00 per family member.
Therefore, it is necessary to keep your CadÚnico registration updated every two years. If there is any inconsistency, the benefit will not be granted.
Inspection of the Bolsa Família
After noting the large number of families and beneficiaries receiving the aid inappropriately, the Ministry of Social Development announced the start of inspection visits for the program. Thus, social workers are going to the homes of those enrolled to confirm the veracity of the information. CRAS agents check income, the number of people in the home, the address and information about the family group. The goal is to ensure that the benefit is being directed to those who really need it, which has caused some tension among users. Many cities have already started the visits, and the number of irregularities is surprising.
In the city of Itabuna, Bahia, after the start of the inspection, more than 800 cases of inadequate receipt were identified, in more than 4 thousand homes visited. Therefore, it is important to check if all your documents are up to date. In addition, some other municipalities, such as Birigui in São Paulo, are limiting initial inspections only to families with a per capita income of up to half the minimum wage, and those who have not updated their registration in the last two years.
How do I prepare for the Bolsa Família inspection visit?
If you are apprehensive about receiving a Bolsa Família inspection visit, there is no need to worry. The goal is only to eliminate those who are receiving inadequate payments, not to suspend the aid for other reasons. Therefore, to help you make this delicate moment easier, we have some tips for when you receive the inspectors:
Keep your documents and those of your family members in order (copies, all organized and with updated dates);
Update your registration on the CadÚnico portal (address, income, profession and other updates to your personal data);
Separate the children's documents, school and health records (proof of vaccination, consultations and prenatal care);
Check whether your family income continues to meet the limit of R$218.00 per person;
Receive the inspector and cooperate with any requests he makes for verification.
Therefore, if you are still within the range of beneficiaries for the aid, you just need to prove it with your documents. The inspector will then validate the information, and you will continue to participate in the social program.
How to apply for Bolsa Família?
First, to apply for the benefit, you must register with CadÚnico and submit the basic documents to request social benefits. The form can be filled out in person at CRAS, or digitally, via the website or app. To download the Cadastro Único app, simply access the app stores for Android or iOS and download it. This way, you can also track all your benefit requests without having to leave your home, all from your cell phone.
How much is Bolsa Família worth?
Currently, the base amount for Bolsa Família is R$600.00. This amount is calculated for families living in poverty or extreme poverty, with a per capita income of up to R$218.00. However, for family groups with children up to 6 years old, duly enrolled in daycare and with up-to-date health check-ups, an additional R$150.00 is granted. In addition, it is necessary to meet all the basic requirements that the social program demands of its beneficiaries.
How long does it take to receive Bolsa Família?
After registering and requesting the benefit, just wait and follow the response through the Single Registry app or website. The waiting time varies, depending on whether the documents are submitted correctly. The most important thing is to register as soon as possible and check the app to see if you have been approved. This way, you can receive the next payment as soon as the benefit is confirmed. To find out when you will receive it, check the Bolsa Família calendar to see when your monthly installment is due. The benefit is usually available in the last few weeks.
