The Bolsa Família program, Brazil's largest cash transfer initiative, continues to play a crucial role in combating poverty in 2025, reaching approximately 21 million families. As May approaches, beneficiaries are gearing up for payments that begin on May 19, organized by the last digit of their Social Identification Number (NIS). This system ensures a minimum transfer of R$ 600 per family, along with additional benefits designed for children, pregnant women, and adolescents.
According to the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Hunger Combat, the payments will be staggered over the last ten working days of the month, with NIS final 1 receiving their funds on May 19 and NIS final 0 on May 30. The detailed payment schedule is as follows:
- NIS final 1: May 19, 2025
- NIS final 2: May 20, 2025
- NIS final 3: May 21, 2025
- NIS final 4: May 22, 2025
- NIS final 5: May 23, 2025
- NIS final 6: May 26, 2025
- NIS final 7: May 27, 2025
- NIS final 8: May 28, 2025
- NIS final 9: May 29, 2025
- NIS final 0: May 30, 2025
Notably, in cases of public calamity, such as natural disasters, payments may be unified and advanced to May 19, regardless of the NIS. This flexibility highlights the program's commitment to providing timely support to families in need.
The Bolsa Família program comprises six distinct benefits tailored to meet various family needs. These include:
- Citizenship Income Benefit (BRC): R$ 142 per person in the family.
- Complementary Benefit (BCO): An additional amount to ensure a minimum of R$ 600 per family.
- Early Childhood Benefit (BPI): An extra R$ 150 for each child up to six years old.
- Variable Family Benefit (BVF): An additional R$ 50 for pregnant women and children/adolescents aged 7 to 18.
- Variable Family Nutriz Benefit (BVN): An extra R$ 50 for family members up to seven months old.
- Extraordinary Transition Benefit (BET): A guarantee that no one receives less than in the previous program (Auxílio Brasil), which will be valid until May 2025.
To continue receiving Bolsa Família, families must meet specific conditions in health and education. These requirements include ensuring regular school attendance for children and adolescents, prenatal care for pregnant women, monitoring the nutritional status of children under seven, and keeping vaccination records up to date. Compliance with these rules is essential for maintaining benefits.
In 2025, families must have a monthly per capita income of less than R$ 218 to qualify for Bolsa Família, placing them in a state of poverty or extreme poverty. The Cadastro Único (CadÚnico), the federal government's database, serves as the primary tool for enrollment and must be updated every two years or in the event of significant changes, such as the birth of a child or a change of address. Failure to keep this information current may lead to suspension of benefits.
The Ministry of Development and Social Assistance has intensified data verification efforts to prevent fraud, employing technology from Dataprev to identify inconsistencies. Beneficiaries who have not updated their registration by the end of April may face temporary blocks on their payments. To rectify their situation, the government recommends that individuals visit their local Centro de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS).
In addition to financial support, the Bolsa Família program promotes social inclusion through partnerships with initiatives like Pronatec, which offers vocational training courses. In 2025, around 1.5 million beneficiaries are expected to participate in training across various fields, including construction and technology, aiming for greater financial autonomy.
Beneficiaries can access information about payment dates, amounts, and benefit statuses through digital and in-person channels. The Bolsa Família app, available on Android and iOS, provides detailed statements, payment history, and alerts for irregularities. The Caixa Tem app allows users to check balances, make transfers, and pay bills, serving as an essential tool for managing received funds.
To ensure effective financial management, the Ministry encourages families to create budgets prioritizing essential expenses like food and utilities. The app also offers options to schedule payments, facilitating financial organization. Additionally, the government is collaborating with financial education institutions to provide free courses in CRAS units, helping families improve their financial management skills.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud, Bolsa Família has implemented an advanced data verification system through Dataprev, identifying duplicate registrations and unreported incomes. Beneficiaries are advised to avoid sharing personal information through unofficial channels to mitigate the risk of scams. The Ministry issues alerts through the Bolsa Família app and official website, guiding users on identifying fraudulent messages.
The program's requirements for health and education compliance remain stringent. Children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 must maintain minimum school attendance, with requirements ranging from 60% for younger children to 85% for teenagers. Pregnant women are required to undergo prenatal examinations, and children up to seven years old must follow vaccination schedules and receive nutritional monitoring. Non-compliance can result in warnings, suspensions, or benefit cancellations.
In summary, the Bolsa Família program not only provides crucial financial support to millions of families but also emphasizes the importance of education and health compliance to ensure sustainable benefits. As payments commence on May 19, 2025, families are encouraged to stay informed and proactive about their registration status and compliance requirements to continue receiving assistance.
