The Brazilian government has officially released the payment calendars for its social support programs, Bolsa Família and PIS/PASEP, scheduled for 2025. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Development and Assistance, highlights key payment dates and eligibility requirements, aiming to provide financial support to millions of low-income families and workers across the country.
Starting from February 17, 2025, payments for the Bolsa Família program will begin, determined by the last digit of the beneficiary's Social Identification Number (NIS). The program is pivotal, ensuring basic income support for the impoverished segments of society, with variations of benefits structured to accommodate different family needs.
Throughout February, payments will be distributed as follows: families with NIS ending in 1 will receive their payments on the 17th, then it continues with NIS ending 2 on the 18th, and so on, culminating with NIS ending 0 on the 28th. Importantly, this program comprises six distinct benefits, including:
- Renda de Cidadania (BRC): R$ 142 per person
- Benefício Complementar (BCO): Ensures families receive at least R$ 600
- Benefício Primeira Infância (BPI): Additional R$ 150 for children under 7
- Benefício Variável Familiar (BVF): R$ 50 for pregnant women or adolescents aged 7-18
- Benefício Variável Familiar Nutriz (BVN): R$ 50 for family members under 7 months
- Benefício Extraordinário de Transição (BET): Guarantees the previous aid levels under Auxílio Brasil until May 2025
According to the Ministry: "Os pagamentos terão início no dia 17 de fevereiro de 2025", emphasizing the timely distribution of funds to beneficiaries. To qualify for Bolsa Família, applicants must comply with specific health and education criteria, including ensuring school attendance and regular health check-ups, thereby promoting overall development among children and families.
The PIS/PASEP benefit, aimed at both private and public sector workers, commences on the same day, and its payments depend on the beneficiary's birth month. For example, workers born in January will receive their payments starting February 17, with those born later getting their funds by mid-August. This program serves approximately 24.4 million individuals each year with total expected expenditures of R$ 30.7 billion for 2025.
To be eligible for PIS/PASEP, applicants must have been registered for at least five years, work no more than two minimum wages, and have at least one year's worth of active employment within the reference year. Payments are made via Caixa Econômica Federal for PIS or Banco do Brasil for PASEP, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate employment records. "Estar cadastrado no PIS/PASEP há pelo menos cinco anos", states Clovis Scherer, underlining the necessity of clean data from employers.
Workers can access their abono payments either through direct deposits if they possess accounts with the respective banks or at various designated outlets. The various methods for disbursal include crediting funds directly to accounts, allowing withdrawals at ATMs and lotteries, or utilizing apps for digital accounts created especially for this purpose.
For those unsure of their eligibility or payment status, channels are available for consultation through the Ministry of Labor and Employment’s platforms or via the Digital Work Card app. Beneficiaries are encouraged to frequently verify their details to avoid any potential issues with receiving their entitled benefits.
This systematic approach to welfare through the Bolsa Família and PIS/PASEP programs highlights the Brazilian government’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable populations, illustrating the significance of access to timely and equitable financial assistance for those facing economic hardships.