The Bolsa Família payment will be advanced in April 2025, benefiting over 20 million families.
As part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations, the Brazilian government has announced that payments for the Bolsa Família program will begin earlier than usual this month. Starting on April 15, 2025, at least 20.55 million families in social vulnerability will receive their payments, with an initial amount set at R$ 600 per family.
This year, the government has adjusted the payment schedule to avoid disruptions due to national holidays that may affect banking services. The payments will continue until April 30, 2025, and will be organized according to the final digit of each beneficiary's Social Identification Number (NIS).
According to the Ministry of Social Development (MDS), the revised schedule aims to ensure that beneficiaries receive their funds without delay during the holiday period. The first payments will be released on April 15 for beneficiaries whose NIS ends in 1, as well as for those who have had their payments advanced due to residing in areas affected by natural disasters or public emergencies.
The payment schedule for April is as follows:
- NIS final 1: April 15
- NIS final 2: April 16
- NIS final 3: April 17
- NIS final 4: April 22
- NIS final 5: April 23
- NIS final 6: April 24
- NIS final 7: April 25
- NIS final 8: April 28
- NIS final 9: April 29
- NIS final 0: April 30
In addition to the base payment of R$ 600, the Bolsa Família program offers additional financial support for specific groups. Families with children aged up to six years can receive an extra R$ 150, while those with children aged 7 to 11 and adolescents aged 12 to 18 can receive an additional R$ 50. Pregnant women and new mothers also qualify for an extra R$ 50.
The primary eligibility requirement for the Bolsa Família program is that a family’s per capita income must be less than R$ 218 per month. For families whose income rises but remains below half the minimum wage (currently R$ 660), a “protection rule” allows them to continue receiving 50% of the benefit for up to two years after securing employment. This rule currently benefits approximately 2.6 million families.
To maintain eligibility, families must also ensure a minimum school attendance of 85% for children aged six to 15 and 75% for those aged 16 to 17, as stipulated by the Ministry of Education. Additionally, beneficiaries can check their payment details through the Caixa Tem app, which also facilitates banking transactions.
In a related initiative, the federal government has also introduced the Auxílio Gás program, aimed at helping low-income families cope with the rising costs of cooking gas. This benefit is equivalent to the average national price of a 13-kilogram gas cylinder, as reported by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
As the government prepares to roll out these payments, it has also updated the list of municipalities eligible for early payments due to declared states of emergency or public calamity. Over 650 cities, including those in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, and Piauí, will benefit from this advance payment, allowing residents to access the funds on April 15 without waiting for their designated NIS payment date.
Beneficiaries in cities experiencing emergencies will be able to withdraw their funds immediately, while others will follow the standard payment schedule based on their NIS. The MDS conducts monthly assessments to determine which municipalities qualify for these early payments, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is most needed.
However, it is important to note that the government has cut R$ 9 billion from the Bolsa Família budget for 2025, which may affect the number of families receiving assistance in the future. Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed about their eligibility and payment status, with consultations for approved amounts having opened on April 8, 2025.
To qualify for the Bolsa Família program, families must register with the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico), which serves as the gateway for low-income families to access various social programs. Registration can be completed at local social assistance centers (Cras). However, being registered does not guarantee enrollment in the Bolsa Família program; applications are reviewed based on eligibility criteria.
As the payments begin, families are reminded to monitor their benefits closely and ensure they meet all requirements to maintain their assistance. The Caixa Tem app will be a vital tool for beneficiaries to manage their funds and stay updated on any changes to the program.
In summary, the early payments of the Bolsa Família program in April 2025 reflect the government's commitment to supporting families in need while adapting to the challenges posed by national holidays and emergencies. The comprehensive structure of the program, including additional benefits and strict eligibility criteria, aims to provide meaningful support to those who require it most.
