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The Bolsa Família program, a Brazilian initiative providing aid to families in vulnerable conditions, recently experienced a notable drop in the number of beneficiaries nationwide. Specifically, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro suffered a major blow, losing more than 100,000 beneficiaries since December.
Regional decline
Recent statistics indicate that Bahia lost 107,000 beneficiaries in July, while Rio de Janeiro suffered a loss of 105,000. These alarming figures signal the seriousness of the situation. Notably, Bahia had the largest numerical difference in votes for Lula in the 2022 elections.
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Review of Bolsa Família benefits
After identifying that several families did not meet the program's criteria, the government began a thorough review of benefits at the beginning of the year. As a result, they excluded a total of 2.7 million registrations. Interestingly, in the three months preceding the elections, the government added another 3.7 million registrations, many of which were later removed for failing to meet the requirements.
Recent additions to the registry
Additionally, the government made new additions to the Bolsa Família registry. Since the program was reactivated in March, the Ministry of Development announced the inclusion of 1.3 million new families. This measure aimed to expand the program’s reach and provide assistance to more people in need.
Concealment of information
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However, it is important to note that the government’s publicity failed to mention a crucial detail: on December 31, 2022, the last day of Bolsonaro’s government, the program had 21.6 million beneficiaries. Currently, that number has fallen to 20.9 million, representing a reduction of 700,000 families. Disclosing this information is vital for the public to have a complete understanding of the program’s situation.
Official response
In response to inquiries about the decline in the number of beneficiaries, Minister Wellington Dias stated that many exclusions occurred because of families with high incomes, deceased people, and duplicate registrations. According to him, these exclusions proved necessary to ensure that the program actually benefits families living in extreme poverty.
Change in Bolsa Família amounts
Under the Lula government, a significant change occurred: the average amount paid per family increased, but the number of beneficiary families decreased starting in 2023, when the program resumed the name Bolsa Família. Until December 31, 2022, the average amount per family was R$ 670. In June, this amount rose to R$ 705, but fell to R$ 684 in the same month.
Impact of Bolsa Família cuts
The reduction in the Bolsa Família benefit in Brazilian states, particularly in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, is cause for concern. This decrease directly affects vulnerable families who depend on this assistance for their basic sustenance. The government needs to act transparently and effectively in administering the program, ensuring its objective of combating poverty and promoting social inclusion. Furthermore, it is essential to make investments and implement public policies to improve these families’ living conditions, enabling them to overcome their dependence on the program and achieve a dignified life.
