The Bolsa Família program, a crucial initiative by the Brazilian government to combat poverty, begins its payments for April 2025 today, April 22. This financial aid is essential for ensuring that families in vulnerable situations have access to the resources needed for their basic needs. According to the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, the payments for beneficiaries with Social Identification Numbers (NIS) ending in 4 are being processed today.
The minimum benefit for this month is set at R$ 600, but with the new additional benefits, the average payout rises to R$ 668.73. This month, the program is expected to reach 20.48 million families, with a total expenditure of R$ 13.66 billion. The Bolsa Família program not only provides financial assistance but also encourages school attendance and health monitoring, contributing to social development.
As part of the Bolsa Família structure, the Variable Family Nutriz Benefit provides six installments of R$ 50 to mothers of infants up to six months old, ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition. Additionally, families with pregnant women or children aged 7 to 18 years receive an extra R$ 50, while those with children under six years old receive R$ 150. This layered approach to support is designed to address various family dynamics and needs.
Payments for the Bolsa Família are organized based on the last digit of the NIS, allowing for a staggered distribution of funds. The payment schedule for April 2025 is as follows: NIS ending in 1 on April 15, 2 on April 16, 3 on April 17, 4 on April 22, 5 on April 23, 6 on April 24, 7 on April 25, 8 on April 28, 9 on April 29, and 0 on April 30. This system helps prevent overcrowding at banks and ensures that beneficiaries can access their funds in an orderly manner.
On April 15, 2025, beneficiaries from 659 cities received payments regardless of their NIS. This initiative was particularly beneficial for residents of Rio Grande do Sul, who were affected by floods from April to June, as well as residents from six other states impacted by heavy rains or droughts.
Since last year, Bolsa Família beneficiaries have been exempt from the deduction of the Seguro Defeso, a benefit for those reliant on fishing during the breeding season when fishing is restricted. This change, established by Law 14.601/2023, has allowed families to receive more substantial support without reductions.
In April 2025, approximately 3.05 million families are under the protection rule, which allows them to receive 50% of the benefit they would normally be entitled to for up to two years, provided that each member earns up to half the minimum wage. For these families, the average benefit is R$ 366.77, providing a critical safety net for those transitioning to employment.
In addition to the Bolsa Família payments, the Auxílio Gás program is also being paid out today to families registered in the Cadastro Único for Social Programs of the Federal Government (CadÚnico) with NIS ending in 4. The amount for this month has increased to R$ 108. The Auxílio Gás program is designed to assist families with the cost of cooking gas and is expected to continue until the end of 2026, benefiting 5.37 million families.
To qualify for the Auxílio Gás, families must be part of the CadÚnico and have at least one member receiving the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC). The program prioritizes women who are heads of households, particularly those who have experienced domestic violence.
The Bolsa Família program is one of the most significant social assistance programs in Brazil, designed to support families living in poverty and extreme poverty. It not only provides financial assistance but also encourages educational attendance and health monitoring, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions and social development.
The predictable payment schedule, such as the one established for April, is crucial for families to effectively plan their finances, offering greater stability and financial security. Beneficiaries can check their payment dates through the official Bolsa Família application or the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance website. Additionally, information is available at Caixa Econômica Federal branches and lottery outlets.
In December, payments are typically accelerated, starting on December 10 and concluding before Christmas, allowing families to manage their expenses during the holiday season more effectively.
For families looking to enroll in Bolsa Família in 2025, eligibility requires a monthly income per person of up to R$ 218, along with registration in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) with updated information within the last two years. The enrollment process involves verifying income, registering at the local Centro de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS), and undergoing a selection process conducted by the government.
As the Brazilian government continues its commitment to reducing social inequalities and promoting a more just society, the Bolsa Família program remains a vital resource for millions of families across the nation. The timely distribution of benefits and the structured support provided by the program reflect a concerted effort to uplift the most vulnerable members of society.
