Free Sanitary Pads from the SUS: Find Out if You're Eligible and How to Get Yours

The federal government is promoting an important initiative to combat menstrual poverty and ensure greater dignity for women and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability. Through the Program for the Protection and Promotion of Menstrual Health and Dignity, free sanitary pads are being made available by the SUS in accredited Farmácia Popular units.

With over 31,000 accredited pharmacies and nationwide coverage, the program seeks to reduce social inequalities and provide access to essential hygiene items. Check out this article to find out who is entitled to the benefit and how to withdraw it.

Is it possible to get free pads through the SUS?

Yes, the program is already up and running and offers free sanitary pads through the SUS through accredited pharmacies of Farmácia Popular. This initiative, developed in 2023 and launched in 2024, is not limited to distributing sanitary pads. It also promotes awareness-raising actions on menstrual health, addressing topics such as:

• The first menstruation;
• Infection prevention;
• General menstrual hygiene care.

The objective is to combat the taboo surrounding the topic and disseminate important information, promoting a positive impact on the health and well-being of those benefiting.

Who is entitled to the benefit?

The program is aimed at people in situations of social vulnerability. See the criteria for participation:

• Women and adolescents between 10 and 49 years old;
• Registration in CadÚnico with a monthly family income of up to R$ 218 per person;
• Students at public institutions, with an income of up to half the minimum wage (R$ 706) per person;
• Homeless people, with no income limit.

Brazilians and foreigners residing in Brazil who meet these criteria can apply for the benefit, which is already impacting around 24 million people across the country.

How can I get free pads from the SUS?

To access the benefit, follow the steps below:

1. Issue authorization through My SUS Digital
   Access the Meu SUS Digital app (formerly Conecte SUS) and issue the “Menstrual Dignity Program Authorization”. This document, valid for 180 days, is essential for collecting pads and can be obtained by presenting an official identification document. If you encounter any difficulties, go to a Basic Health Unit (UBS) with your documents to get help and issue the authorization in person.
2. Separate the necessary documentation
   In addition to the authorization, bring an official photo ID (RG or CNH) and your CPF. For minors under 16 years of age, the collection must be done by the parents or legal guardians.
3. Go to the nearest Farmácia Popular branch
   With the documentation in hand, look for a pharmacy accredited by the Farmácia Popular program. Present the documents to the professional in charge to collect the benefit. Homeless people can also go to Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS and CREAS), POP Centers, shelters or Street Clinic teams to collect the benefit.

A program that makes a difference

The program is a key initiative to combat social inequalities and the challenges of period poverty. Lack of access to basic items such as sanitary pads can lead to health problems and reinforce social barriers, especially for people experiencing homelessness.

Through this action, the government seeks to promote more equity and dignity, ensuring that all people have access to the necessary care.

Keep following for more information

Want to learn more about other social programs that can help you or your family? Keep an eye on our website and follow updates on benefits and rights guaranteed by the government. Together, we can overcome inequalities and build a fairer future.

Find out if you are eligible here!