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Members of the Federal Government begin discussions about Bolsa Família payment amounts for 2024.
Although 2023 does not yet show signs of ending, government officials are already focusing on 2024. Soon, the Ministry of Planning will submit its budget proposal for the coming year to the National Congress, with emphasis on Bolsa Família.
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The budget plan serves as a basis for the government to define all expenditure forecasts for the coming year. From the electricity bill of a federal institution to amounts related to the minimum wage, everything must be included in the document that lawmakers will review.
The same applies to Bolsa Família. This program is among the expenses detailed in the budget. Everyone is eagerly awaiting to find out how much the government plans to allocate to this social project. The amount will determine the program's future guidelines.
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How much does the government plan to spend?
- 2023
For 2023, the government allocated, already in 2022, R$ 168.7 billion to Bolsa Família. With this amount, they can distribute an average of R$ 680 per family to more than 20 million citizens, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Hunger Alleviation.
- 2024
The government has not yet officially submitted its 2024 budget to Congress. However, internal sources suggest that the Ministry of Planning plans to allocate around R$ 168 billion to the Benefit, a similar amount to that of 2023.
Effects on Bolsa Família
And what will be the impact of this budget on Bolsa Família? If the budget is R$ 168 billion in 2024, what will change for participants?
- Payments will not increase
The first implication is obvious: there will be no increase in Benefit payments. If the budget remains unchanged, the government will not be able to increase the amounts or add many new beneficiaries.
- Payments will not decrease
On the other hand, by allocating R$ 168 billion, the government signals that payments will not be reduced. If the amounts remain the same, they will continue paying approximately the same number of people who already receive the benefit.
Why is it bad news?
Some may see this information as something positive, as the amounts for 2024 are unlikely to decrease. However, by deciding not to adjust the benefit, beneficiaries are likely to see their purchasing power decrease.
This scenario arises due to inflation. If inflation rises and Bolsa Família remains unchanged, the amount of R$ 600 in 2024 will be worth less than the current R$ 600.
Lula did not promise adjustments to Bolsa Família
Read also: Restructuring of Bolsa Família? Understand the changes with the current MP
It is important to emphasize that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has no legal obligation to adjust the Benefit annually, just as former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) did not either.
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In the previous presidential campaign, Lula focused on guaranteeing a real increase in the minimum wage, a commitment that has already been fulfilled for 2023.
