Bolsa Família is Brazil's most prominent income transfer program. Every month, Caixa Econômica Federal is responsible for distributing this benefit to millions of families in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability in the country.
In September, the amount of R$14.58 billion was allocated by the Federal Government for the benefit, reaching 21.47 million families. The average amount per beneficiary was R$686.89 last month, this being the second highest average amount ever paid by the program, following only the month of June (R$705).
Read also: Bank proposes changes to Bolsa Família payments; concerns arise.
In fact, it is essential to mention that, in addition to Bolsa Família, the government provides other social programs, thus ensuring coverage of the basic needs of Brazilians who do not have sufficient income to access all the rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.
Importance of the Single Registry
In general, there are several government tools for identifying and describing low-income people in Brazil. The Single Registry (CadÚnico), coordinated by the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), is particularly notable.
It is through CadÚnico that it becomes possible to participate in social programs, such as Bolsa Família. However, registration in the registry does not automatically guarantee entry into government programs, since each program has its own eligibility criteria.
Therefore, to access the benefits, registration in the Single Registry is essential.
How to Register with CadÚnico
According to government regulations, CadÚnico was created to integrate lower-income families into social programs, thus, only low-income citizens are eligible for benefits.
The criteria for registration with CadÚnico are:
- Families with a monthly income of up to half the minimum wage per person (R$ 660);
- Families with a total monthly income of up to 3 minimum wages (R$ 3,960);
- Families with a monthly income of more than half the minimum wage per person who are participating in or requesting inclusion in programs or benefits that use the Single Registry;
- Homeless individuals, alone or with their family.
Registration requires the person to go to a Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS) or Single Registry office and undergo an interview about the family structure.
Required Documents
Attending the CRAS is crucial to answer questions about income, expenses, and family and residence conditions. It is essential to be honest to avoid having benefits blocked due to inconsistent data.
At CRAS or CadÚnico, the person responsible for the family must show their CPF or voter registration card. For other family members, any of the following documents are valid:
- Birth certificate;
- Marriage Certificate;
- CPF;
- ID card;
- Work Card;
- Voter Registration Card.
After the interview, the citizen will obtain a Social Identification Number (NIS) if they do not already have one. With the NIS, families can join social programs through CadÚnico.
Read also: Lula Addresses Changes to Bolsa Família and Clarifies Essential Doubts
Bolsa Família September Payment Schedule
Caixa Econômica payments are made in the last ten business days, according to the last digit of the beneficiaries' NIS. Thus, a new group receives the amount in their accounts each business day. September payments were completed last Friday (29). Now, everyone is waiting for the October payment.
| Payment date | NIS End |
| October 18 (Wednesday) | 1 |
| October 19 (Thursday) | 2 |
| October 20 (Friday) | 3 |
| October 23 (Monday) | 4 |
| October 24 (Tuesday) | 5 |
| October 25 (Wednesday) | 6 |
| October 26 (Thursday) | 7 |
| October 27 (Friday) | 8 |
| October 30 (Monday) | 9 |
| October 31 (Tuesday) | 0 |
Advance payment of Bolsa Família in October?
Fortunately, for millions of beneficiaries, the advance payment of Bolsa Família was confirmed by the federal government for two groups in October. Those who will be able to access the amount in advance are those registered with NIS numbers ending in 4 and 9.
In short, the government has adopted the strategy of bringing forward payments scheduled for Mondays. Thus, the amount is made available on the previous Saturday, two days before the official Bolsa Família calendar, allowing beneficiaries to access the benefit over the weekend. Therefore, if you belong to one of these groups, celebrate! The Bolsa Família payment for October will come earlier.
