Bolsa Família directly affects the lives of millions of individuals. However, a concept that is frequently observed among citizens but not much discussed in social programs is that of cohabiting families.
Do you understand what a cohabiting family means? Although many people may not be familiar with the term, they have probably come across the reality of several families living in the same house and sharing common expenses, such as rent or water and electricity bills.
Given this, the question is: is it possible for all cohabiting families to receive Bolsa Família? If you live with a cohabiting family, what happens to your Single Registry? What about single-person households?
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We will answer all these questions taking into account the legislation. Only by being well informed will you be able to claim your rights. Check it out!
Cohabiting families: what is their relationship with Bolsa Família?
Why is the issue of cohabiting families relevant to Bolsa Família beneficiaries? As many are aware, to qualify for Bolsa Família, the family unit must:
- be in financial vulnerability, with a monthly per capita family income between R$ 105.01 and R$ 210.00;
- be in extreme vulnerability, with a monthly per capita family income of up to R$ 105.00.
Given this, the question arises: does the income of everyone living in the same house count towards this calculation? Let's take a look at what the legislation establishes.
Cohabiting families: what does the law determine?
Ordinance 810 of the Ministry of Citizenship, dated September 14, 2022, in its second article, defines a cohabiting family as:
- II – cohabiting families: groups that live in the same place, but do not share income or expenses, or only share common housing expenses, such as rent or water and electricity bills.
Furthermore, article 12 of the same ordinance states:
- Article 12: Cohabiting families who live at the same address but do not share income or expenses, or only share daily housing expenses will be registered independently.
In this regard, see an excerpt from a live broadcast on the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance (MDS) aimed at municipal managers and leaders:
“For the Single Registry, a cohabiting family is one that lives on the same land or residence, with two nuclei that do not share income and expenses. The concept of family for the Single Registry includes sharing financially. If this does not occur and only household expenses are shared, such as rent or electricity, this is considered a cohabiting family. There are cohabiting families with a single member, and each one must sign the term of responsibility.”
Family units of one person and cohabitants for Bolsa Família
Have you ever heard of “splitting the rent”, where two people decide to live together to share expenses?
These situations can be considered cohabiting families and, at the same time, single-person households. Both can be part of the Bolsa Família program and have separate registrations in the Single Registry, as long as they comply with the other rules of the social programs.
Family units of a person have become the focus of the MDS after several inconsistencies were identified in the records of beneficiaries. As a result, around 3 million people have had their benefits suspended in recent times.
Every month, the MDS examines the records in detail to ensure that only those who are truly in need receive Bolsa Família. One of the actions taken was to integrate the Single Registry with the CNIS (National Registry of Social Information).
This initiative improves the quality of information in Cadúnico. Now, pending issues related to proof of income will be resolved automatically, without the need to go to CRAS.
This means that any income variation in the last 12 months will be automatically adjusted in the Single Registry, using data from the CNIS. This simplifies the procedure, making it more accurate and less complicated for families.
This way, you will have access to labor, social security, BPC-LOAS and other sources of income benefits, such as prison assistance, through the Cadastro Único app.
Single-person households: limit per municipality defined by the government
In September of this year, a new rule established a limit for the entry of new single-person families into the Bolsa Família program. On August 25, the MDS issued Ordinance 911, stipulating that, of the total number of families benefiting from Bolsa Família, only 16% can be single-person families. The program's Newsletter 17 clarifies that this percentage will be applied municipally.
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Imagine that in a city there are 10,000 Bolsa Família beneficiaries. Applying 16% to 10,000, we have 1,600. Therefore, only 1,600 single-person households are allowed.
Remember that the number in question refers to the beneficiaries, not the population. In other words, in a city with 10,000 families benefiting from the program, only 1,600 can be single-person households.
If you are already a beneficiary and follow all the rules, don't worry. No one will lose the benefit if the municipality exceeds the limit of 16%. However, new registrations may be impossible if the limit has already been reached.
What if your municipality is not following the guidelines for cohabiting and single-person households?
Municipalities must follow MDS guidelines
Are the definitions of cohabiting and single-person households being applied in your city? If you notice that they are not, take action!
- The Ministry of Social Development and Welfare has provided clear instructions to municipalities. Remember that if you live with a cohabiting family, both families are entitled to social benefits.
- In short, cohabiting families can receive Bolsa Família, as long as they meet the established financial requirements. Single-person households are also covered, but there is a limit of 16% per municipality.
- If you have any questions about your situation, contact the nearest CRAS or municipal administration. Ensure your rights and benefits to which you are entitled!
