Since the beginning of 2023, under the administration of President Lula (PT), approximately 2.9 million Brazilians have had their registrations Family Allowance canceled. According to information provided by the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), between January and September 2023, a total of 2,870,743 families saw their benefits interrupted. This large number was brought to light by journalist Paulo Cappelli, from the Metrópoles portal.
This adjustment is an initiative by the MDS to ensure that the benefit goes only to those who genuinely meet the criteria. Therefore, it is worth remembering that, during the administration of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL), the benefit was changed to Auxílio Brasil, returning to its original name under the current leadership.
The program's improvement began in March, identifying 1.2 million registrations that presented a monthly income above the limit established to be a Bolsa Família beneficiary.
New beneficiaries joining Bolsa Família
In contrast to the exclusions, in December 2022, Bolsa Família served 21.6 million families, totaling an investment of R$13 billion. In September 2023, the number of families assisted was 21.4 million, costing the government R$14.6 billion. This data indicates that, even with the withdrawal of several beneficiaries, the program opened doors to new families, maintaining its purpose of helping those most in need.
Updates and additions to the assistance program
The reintegration of new families and the restructuring of the program did not stop there. In June, President Lula implemented a decree that updated the program's guidelines. Family Allowance. Now, the program provides for an increase of R$ 50 for the Variable Family Benefit. However, only for dependents between 7 and 18 years old, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women. This supplement demonstrates the government's ongoing effort to improve and expand the reach of Bolsa Família, benefiting even more Brazilians in vulnerable situations.
Image: MIDAS/ Disclosure/ Agência Brasil
