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It is essential to present documents to avoid blocks. With its return in 2023, Bolsa Família underwent a complete reinvention compared to previous versions. Under the coordination of the Minister of Social Development, Wellington Dias, the benefit was withdrawn from many individuals who live alone. Hence the idea that this group would no longer be included.
However, families consisting of a single member do not face a prohibition on accessing Bolsa Família funds. In addition, anyone is allowed to register with CadÚnico and join the list of beneficiaries. But, in this situation, the method adopted is different.
Steps for individuals living alone to access Bolsa Família
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Many one-member families previously favored by the Federal Government's transfer program encountered extensive blocks. The reason was noncompliance with the condition of living alone, as registered. Thus, some households had more than one beneficiary, which went against the program's guidelines.
Therefore, it is clear that one-person households can both receive the payments and register with the Single Registry. However, this procedure is specific and requires a particular registration: the Responsibility Agreement.
What procedure should be followed?
Based on this, the first step is to register with the Single Registry. Through this registration, the government assesses the individual's financial and social situation, ensuring that they meet the program's criteria. The applicant must register at the nearest Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS).
During the interview, the Responsibility Agreement must be signed. To do so, the citizen must present personal documents, proof of income, and proof of address.
If any documents are missing, they will be prioritized on the list. In the absence of proof of residence, a handwritten statement may be included in the Responsibility Agreement itself. It is important to remember that for one-person households, the permitted gross monthly income is up to half the minimum wage, currently R$ 660.
After all, what does the Bolsa Família Responsibility Agreement contain?
Through this document, the applicant attests that they are aware that providing incorrect information is illegal. Part of the document also highlights that providing false data to qualify leads to exclusion from the list.
In addition, the agreement mentions the possibility of being summoned by the municipality or the Ministry of Social Development (MDS) to update information, confirming continued eligibility for the program.
Why are they reviewing the program?
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Under Bolsonaro's leadership, individual grants increased from 2.2 million to 5.9 million. This growth reduced the number of families with more than one member in the program. When Auxílio Brasil was launched, these groups accounted for 85% of beneficiaries. By the end of the term, this percentage had fallen to 73%.
There was no change in the profile of Brazilian households. According to IBGE, in 2022, 16% of households had a single resident – a proportion similar to that before Auxílio Brasil.
The base amount of Auxílio Brasil created room for irregularities. Under Bolsa Família, the amount depended on family size. However, Auxílio Brasil set a fixed amount – initially R$ 400, then R$ 600.
Thus, a mother with four children began receiving the same amount as a single man. As a consequence, many people already enrolled in the program registered as living alone to obtain a second benefit, according to investigations after the 2022 elections.
The increase in one-person households coincided with the R$ 400 and R$ 600 payments. The highest rates were recorded in December 2021, with R$ 400 payments. In July 2022, the amendment that raised the amount to R$ 600 was approved. These figures appeared in the following months.
Now, we still see inflated numbers. Even after reviews, beneficiaries who claim to live alone account for 24% of Bolsa Família payments. This is lower than under the Bolsonaro government, but still higher than before Auxílio Brasil.
