Bolsa Família

Will the Bolsa Família loan return in September? Find out all the information.

Published on 29/08/2023 8 min read

What does Bolsa Família Credit represent?

Bolsa Família Credit is a type of financing that allowed Auxílio Brasil beneficiaries to obtain credit with deductions from their monthly payments. This opportunity generated significant interest among beneficiaries.

Why did Bolsa Família Credit stop?

Bolsa Família Credit operates as payroll-deducted credit. This means that the amounts are deducted directly from the assistance provided by the program. However, this type of credit was recently blocked by the STF.

The reason for the interruption is that the Supreme Federal Court is considering whether Bolsa Família assistance should be regarded as essential for families’ survival and therefore should not be offered as credit, since this could lead to indebtedness.

Payroll-deducted loan applications ceased for several reasons. The main concern was the risk of excessive indebtedness among the most vulnerable groups in society. The Democratic Labour Party (PDT) argued that this option could worsen the financial situation of beneficiaries who were already struggling.

Increase in the Percentage of Allocated Income

A central argument in the debate was the increase in the percentage of allocated income. It became acceptable for up to 45% of beneficiaries’ income to be allocated to credit. This change fueled concerns about the accumulation of debt and families’ ability to repay it.

Minister Nunes Marques’s Argument

On the other hand, Minister Nunes Marques argued that expanding access to payroll-deducted loans does not violate constitutional principles. He highlighted that this type of financing could provide immediate capital to settle debts or leverage future projects.

What about previously agreed credit contracts?

Previously signed contracts were not affected by the suspension. This indicates that beneficiaries who had already requested financing before the interruption continue to pay off their amounts via automatic debit from their benefit.

Can Bolsa Família beneficiaries apply for other loans?

Yes, Bolsa Família beneficiaries can apply for other loans, provided that the requested amount does not equal the benefit provided by the program. However, to apply for financing, the beneficiary must go to the bank and meet certain conditions, such as having a good credit rating and no outstanding debts.

Relevant Note: We emphasize that loans should be considered the last alternative, given the high interest rates that make credit more expensive. If the individual fails to meet their obligations, they will be considered in default.

Dangers of Bolsa Família Credit

Although payroll-deducted loans may be advantageous for vulnerable households, it is vital to assess the risks associated with this type of financing. The central concern is to curb excessive household indebtedness.

Socioeconomic Impact

It is crucial to conduct in-depth studies on the socioeconomic impact of payroll-deducted loans on low-income groups. An approach grounded in concrete evidence can provide better insight into the benefits and risks.

Will Bolsa Família Credit Return in September?

Reflecting on the reactivation of payroll-deducted credit acquisitions requires prudence. The government and responsible entities must carefully consider the consequences of this action and seek safeguards to protect the most exposed beneficiaries. The primary aim is to ensure the economic stability of families that rely on social assistance.

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) recently delivered a vital ruling that directly affects beneficiaries of Brazilian social programs. The court consolidated a voting majority to proceed with releasing payroll-deductible loans to these individuals.

However, even with the majority leaning in favor of the payroll-deductible loan option, Justice Alexandre de Moraes chose to review the case and postponed the deliberation. The date for its continuation remains undefined, making the decision’s return in September uncertain.

The deliberation took place in a virtual session, in which the STF members considered maintaining the injunction proposed by Justice Nunes Marques. He had presented this preliminary injunction the previous year, opposing an attempt by the PDT to prevent the release of personal credit to beneficiaries of the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) and Auxílio Brasil (formerly known as Bolsa Família).

The rapporteur’s perspective

In opposition, Nunes Marques reiterated his position in favor of payroll-deducted loans. He argues that offering payroll-deducted credit to interested parties is not unconstitutional. The minister emphasized: “Under the current legal system, I see no parameters that classify expanded access to payroll-deducted loans as unconstitutional.”

Support for the return of the Bolsa Família Loan

Edson Fachin, Dias Toffoli, Luiz Fux, Gilmar Mendes and Carmen Lucia followed the rapporteur’s perspective. Thus, the current decision supports the continuation of payroll-deducted loans for participants in social programs.

Changes to the legislation

The changes under discussion are stipulated in Law 14.431/2022, ratified by then-President Jair Bolsonaro. The statute establishes that salary deductions may reach up to 45% of benefits.

The online ruling

The decision was issued during a virtual plenary session, a method in which the ministers enter their votes into the system without in-person debates. The result became public in July.

When will the Bolsa Família Loan resume?

The STF's verdict underscores the legitimacy of these loans for beneficiaries of social programs. However, the postponement of the session by Alexandre de Moraes makes the outcome of this matter uncertain. There is still no defined date for the conclusion of this deliberation.

Bolsa Família Loan ANNOUNCED by CAIXA

Caixa Econômica Federal introduced a credit alternative called Crédito CAIXA Tem. This option is aimed at citizens and Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs) who plan to start or expand their businesses, including those assisted by Bolsa Família.

This type of credit can meet various needs. For example, those supported by Bolsa Família can settle essential service bills, while MEIs can cover suppliers, the purchase of products and goods for resale, among other urgent needs.

How and who is eligible for the CAIXA TEM Loan?

For individuals, the credit is entirely digital and can be requested through the CAIXA Tem app (available for Android and iOS).

Requirements for Bolsa Família beneficiaries and other citizens

The criteria are:

Have aspirations to start or expand a business, including Bolsa Família recipients;
Have bank debts under R$ 3,000 as of 01/31/2022, excluding mortgages and unused credit limits;
Have an up-to-date registration with CAIXA Tem;
Maintain a CAIXA Tem Savings Account;
Pass the credit analysis;
Comply with the regulations of the Loan – CAIXA Tem Credit.

MEIs

For Individual Microentrepreneurs, the process is conducted in person at CAIXA branches. The criteria include:

Have been operating as an MEI for at least 12 months;
Have an annual revenue below R$ 81,000;
Have bank debts under R$ 3,000 as of 01/31/2022, excluding real estate financing and unused credit;
Main

tain a CAIXA Business Account;

Successfully pass the credit analysis;
Comply with the statutes of the Loan – CAIXA Tem Credit.

The maximum amount offered is R$ 1,000.00. The repayment period ranges from 18 to 24 months, with interest of up to 3.99% per month.

Procedure for obtaining the Caixa TEM Loan

For those who already have a registration with CAIXA Tem, follow the steps below:

Access your device’s app platform and search for “CAIXA Tem”. Check whether there is any pending update.
Open the CAIXA Tem app and renew your registration by providing personal information such as housing, income, occupation, and assets.
Submit a photo of your official document (RG or CNH).
Send a selfie.
After the renewal, your Digital Social Savings account will become a CAIXA Tem Savings account.

Caixa will carry out the credit assessment within a maximum of 10 days after the registration update. If approved, the credit option will be available in the app.

After the financing is approved, the amount will be transferred to your CAIXA Tem Savings account. The installments will be charged by automatic debit from that account.