The Bolsa Família program, Brazil's primary cash transfer initiative, is continuing its vital role in supporting millions of needy families. On Monday, March 24, 2025, payments are made to beneficiaries whose National Identification Number (NIS) ends with 5, ensuring ongoing assistance for those living in social vulnerability.
For many low-income families, Bolsa Família represents a lifeline, guaranteeing a minimum income and access to fundamental rights like food, healthcare, and education. As payments proceed, resources for the program are made directly available via the Caixa Tem app, while beneficiaries can also collect funds at Caixa Econômica Federal branches, lottery houses, or through Caixa Aqui correspondents.
During this month, families residing in states affected by public calamities, such as flooding and landslides, received their benefits early, reflecting the government's prompt action to support those in need. "We are committed to ensuring that vulnerable families have access to their benefits as quickly as possible to cope with emergency situations," stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance.
The minimum value of the Bolsa Família benefit currently stands at R$ 600 per family. Additionally, there are increments to support specific groups within the population: R$ 150 for children aged six and younger, R$ 50 for children aged seven to eleven and adolescents aged twelve to eighteen, and another R$ 50 for pregnant and lactating women.
Payments for March 2025 were organized on a staggered schedule based on the final digit of the beneficiaries' NIS numbers. The full payment calendar is as follows:
- NIS final 1: March 18
- NIS final 2: March 19
- NIS final 3: March 20
- NIS final 4: March 21
- NIS final 5: March 24
- NIS final 6: March 25
- NIS final 7: March 26
- NIS final 8: March 27
- NIS final 9: March 28
- NIS final 0: March 31
Beneficiaries can transfer the funds using the Caixa Tem app or withdraw them in person. The Bolsa Família program is intended for families in vulnerable situations with a monthly income per person not exceeding R$ 218. However, a “protection rule” ensures that families with slightly increased income levels can continue receiving half of the benefit amount for a period of up to two years.
This measure primarily assists families who recently acquired formal employment yet still require financial support until achieving greater economic stability. Currently, over 2.6 million families benefit from this transitional provision.
To ensure continued eligibility, beneficiaries must meet a few social commitments. Children between the ages of six and fifteen need to maintain at least 85% school attendance, while adolescents aged sixteen and seventeen must meet a 75% attendance requirement. Additionally, families are required to keep immunizations current and undergo nutritional monitoring for minors.
The payments of Bolsa Família are complemented by the Auxílio-Gás program, aimed at alleviating the impact of cooking gas prices for low-income households. This subsidy covers 100% of the average price of a 13kg gas cylinder, as officially determined by the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP).
The importance of these initiatives cannot be overstated as they play a crucial role in reducing poverty and ensuring that vulnerable families are not left behind. The Brazilian government continues to emphasize its commitment to improving social assistance programs and responding to the evolving needs of the population.
Overall, the Bolsa Família program’s mission remains clear: to guarantee a minimum income for families facing severe hardships while promoting basic rights, education, and health across the nation. With a proactive approach and careful scheduling, the government aims to uphold these commitments, ensuring that every Brazilian can access the support they deserve.
