The Bolsa Família program is set to begin its March 2025 payments on the 18th, according to recent announcements from government sources. The payments will roll out over the course of ten days, culminating on March 31, ensuring timely support for Brazilian families relying on this assistance.
Beneficiaries whose Número de Identificação Social (NIS) ends with the number 1 will be the first to receive their funds on March 18. The payment schedule, based on the last digit of the NIS, is as follows:
March 18 - NIS final 1
March 19 - NIS final 2
March 20 - NIS final 3
March 21 - NIS final 4
March 24 - NIS final 5
March 25 - NIS final 6
March 26 - NIS final 7
March 27 - NIS final 8
March 28 - NIS final 9
March 31 - NIS final 0
Each family enrolled will receive at least R$ 600, with potential increases based on family composition. For example, families with newborns can receive the Benefício Variável Familiar Nutriz, which offers six installments of R$ 50 to mothers of infants up to six months old. Additional increments include R$ 50 for families with pregnant women and children between the ages of 7 to 18 years, and another bonus of R$ 150 for families with kids up to 6 years old.
Under the current administration, the auxilio-gas program is also providing much-needed assistance to combat the rising costs of cooking gas, which is particularly burdensome for vulnerable households. This aid equates to the average national price of a 13 kg gas bottle, as stated by the Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP), reflecting the prices over the last six months. Remember, these payments occur during even months of the year.
To qualify for Bolsa Família support, families must demonstrate monthly income not exceeding R$ 218 per person. This means adding up the total family income and then dividing by the number of household members. For example, if one member earns R$ 1,518 and the household consists of seven individuals, the average per person would be R$ 216.85, thereby qualifying for assistance.
Pursuing this assistance requires several responsibilities from beneficiaries, such as keeping children and adolescents enrolled and attending school, undergoing prenatal follow-ups for expectant mothers, and ensuring updated vaccination records for children.
Registration for these benefits involves enrolling in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico), which is the gateway to receiving aid from federal social programs. Interested families can apply at their local Centros de Referência da Assistência Social (Cras). It's important to understand, though, being part of the CadÚnico does not guarantee enrollment; it is simply the first step toward evaluation.
For accessing the funds, beneficiaries can use the Caixa Tem app, which allows for transactions without needing to visit physical banks. This app enables users to perform purchases using a virtual card and makes withdrawals at ATMs, lotteries, and partner banks, facilitating ease of access for many families.
The Bolsa Família program continues to be a pillar of social support for low-income citizens of Brazil, working to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life through economic assistance and incentives for education and health compliance. With the March payment schedule set, many families are poised to receive the financial support they need for their daily needs.