On March 19, 2025, the Lula government formally announced a sweeping plan aimed at monitoring Bolsa Família and the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) to combat social benefits fraud. This newly implemented strategy has far-reaching implications for 91 million Brazilians who depend on these programs as they grapple with poverty, hunger, and vulnerability.
The initiative includes the formation of a dedicated working group (GT) created on March 18, led by the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI), which will coordinate efforts with the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance (MDS). The focus is clear: to enhance the management and oversight of Bolsa Família and the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC), prominent pillars of the Brazilian government’s social assistance strategy.
In recent times, accusations have been levied against the previous administration under Jair Bolsonaro (PL) for allegedly misusing the CadÚnico. This system is essential for identifying and including low-income individuals in over 40 federal programs. Cristina Mori, the executive secretary of MGI, outlined this concern, stating, "In the previous management, the CadÚnico was distorted and used for inappropriate purposes. Thus, the MGI will continue to support the MDS in this reconstruction effort."
Amid these reforms, Minister of Social Development Wellington Dias emphasized a commitment to ensuring benefits are allocated fairly, stating, "The money needs to reach those who truly have the right. The 2025 effort, under President Lula's command, is to remove Brazil from the hunger map, and with this plan we will achieve greater efficiency and better outcomes for the poorest residents." This determination underscores the administration's resolve to uplift society's most marginalized communities.
Since 2024, actions have been ramped up to closely monitor the CadÚnico for any unusual movements, including potential cyber crimes. The MGI is dedicated to establishing mechanisms that will reinforce the management of BPC, focusing on correct resource allocation along with enhanced security and transparency in benefit administration.
A key feature of this strategic plan is the introduction of automated processes aimed at updating registries and reducing errors, ultimately facilitating easier access to information for beneficiaries. The integration of technologies will further identify discrepancies in data files, supporting a collaborative effort among various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Social Security, the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), and various social service reference centers.
In March 2025, a new version of the CadÚnico came online, facilitating the automatic cross-referencing of data across different governmental databases, such as those belonging to the Federal Revenue, Social Security, and the Unified Health System (SUS). Previously, this data integration process could take two to three months, but with automation, it is now expected to be completed in a matter of days, amplifying efficiency in operations.
The comprehensive 2025 Action Plan of the Federal Network for Monitoring Bolsa Família and Cadastro Único is structured around three main axes: the qualification of the information, the enhancement of program oversight, and proactive fraud prevention. Moreover, six strategic actions have been outlined, including stronger social participation and a robust counter-disinformation campaign, all aimed at refining the overall system of social benefits in Brazil.
With this bold announcement, the Lula administration seeks to fortify the integrity of social assistance programs while tackling the deeper issues of poverty and food insecurity plaguing millions of Brazilians. Implementing this action plan serves as a crucial step in ensuring that aid genuinely reaches those in need, laying a more fruitful groundwork for a more equitable future.
