Bolsa Família, the Brazilian government's income transfer program, helps families in vulnerable situations.
A common question is: can I open a business and have a CNPJ as an MEI without losing the benefit? This article clarifies this issue, detailing the rules and conditions for reconciling both programs.
How a MEI can receive Bolsa Família
Opening a CNPJ, especially in the MEI modality, is encouraged by the government to promote financial autonomy and individual development. It is important, however, to understand how this relates to the Bolsa Família eligibility criteria.
The program does not explicitly prohibit beneficiaries from becoming entrepreneurs or opening an MEI. But it is essential that they are aware of the per capita family income limit (R$218 per person in 2023), an essential criterion for maintaining the benefit.
MEI needs to follow the Bolsa Família rules
By becoming a MEI, the formal income of the Bolsa Família beneficiary is considered in the calculation of the per capita family income. An increase in family income beyond the limit may lead to the review or cancellation of the benefit.
Being a beneficiary of Bolsa Família and having a CNPJ as an MEI is entirely possible, as long as the program's income rules are respected. This allows individuals in vulnerable situations to seek financial independence without losing government support.
- Registration in the Single Registry: Since 2019, everyone with a CNPJ must be registered with Single Registry, a platform that integrates information on beneficiaries of various social programs. This allows for a more accurate assessment of the socioeconomic situation of individual entrepreneurs;
- Data Update: It is crucial that program beneficiaries who become MEI update their information in the Single Registry whenever there are significant changes in income, which may affect eligibility for the program.
Conditions and Benefits for CNPJ
MEI offers several benefits, such as:
- Retirement by age;
- Disability retirement;
- Sickness benefit;
- Maternity pay, among others.
These advantages guarantee financial security for the entrepreneur and his family, complementing the Bolsa Família.
Limitations and Responsibilities
Being an MEI also implies responsibilities, such as the monthly payment of the DAS (Simples Nacional Collection Document) and the annual submission of the DASN-SIMEI (Annual Declaration of Simples Nacional). It is important that Bolsa Família beneficiaries are aware of these obligations before formalizing themselves as an MEI.
Reconciling Bolsa Família with MEI requires planning and responsibility. By formalizing as an MEI, the program beneficiary expands their opportunities, building a more prosperous future for themselves and their family.
The government offers several resources to help with this process, from registration in the Single Registry to guidance on the benefits and responsibilities of MEI.
Image: Canva / Editing: Roberta de Oliveira
