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The Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC), a vital aspect of Brazilian social welfare, represents a crucial source of income for the elderly and people with disabilities. However, several uncertainties have emerged regarding the payment of the 13th salary to BPC beneficiaries, and, in addition, there is a Bill that could change this scenario.
WILL THERE BE AN EXTRA SALARY for BPC beneficiaries?
Established by the Organic Law of Social Assistance (LOAS), the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC) guarantees a monthly minimum wage for seniors aged 65 or over and for people with disabilities of any age. However, it is worth noting that the BPC does not constitute a retirement pension, but is, in fact, an assistance benefit, available even to those who have never made contributions to the INSS.
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The 13th salary and BPC beneficiaries
According to current rules, the BPC does not provide the right to the 13th salary. However, there is a glimmer of hope for those dependent on this benefit. Legislators proposed Bill (PL) 2348/2022, aiming to grant the 13th salary to BPC beneficiaries as well.
However, it is crucial to note that this bill has not yet been voted on in Congress. In essence, this indicates that the possibility of a 13th salary for BPC beneficiaries remains in progress, with no guarantee of implementation in the near future.
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Therefore, while the project navigates through the process, the hope of releasing this additional bonus persists, even without any noticeable movement towards its approval this year.
Who is entitled to BPC?
To be eligible for the Continuous Benefit Payment, some criteria must be met:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Present a disability that generates long-term impediments (minimum of 2 years) in the physical, mental, intellectual or sensory areas.
- Be a Brazilian citizen by birth, naturalized or of Portuguese nationality.
- Prove per capita family income is less than 1/4 of the current minimum wage.
- Be registered with CadÚnico (Single Registry of Social Programs of the Federal Government).
Single Registration and joining the program
It is important to note that the BPC does not require contributions to the INSS and is different from social security benefits. Furthermore, the Continuous Benefit Payment does not grant a survivor's pension. However, to benefit from the BPC, the beneficiary and his/her family must be registered in the Single Registry. This registration must be completed before requesting the benefit. Without registration in the Single Registry, the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC) cannot be accessed.
Consultation and additional benefits
More information about the list of beneficiaries and the program’s monthly payments can be obtained by consulting the Transparency Portal, in the “Benefits to Citizens” section. In addition, BPC beneficiaries are entitled to discounts on electricity rates through the Social Energy Tariff.
In short, the BPC does not currently guarantee the 13th salary, but a Bill with the potential to change this circumstance is currently being processed in Congress. Overall, while we await the resolution of this proposal, it is vital to understand the requirements to obtain the Continuous Benefit Payment and ensure that all necessary procedures, such as registration with CadÚnico, are carried out to access this significant welfare benefit.
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Beware of BPC-related fraud
Scammers may contact you by phone, email or text message, asking for personal information, such as your CPF, date of birth and bank details, claiming to be employees of the INSS or government agencies. Therefore, never share confidential information.
Also, be wary of promises of exaggerated benefits. Some scammers may claim that you are entitled to much higher amounts than those provided for in the Continuous Benefit Program.
