In a significant week for Brazil, the newly implemented Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) system has shown instability and access issues across several municipalities. In response to these challenges, local governments like that of Petrolina have opted for a manual approach to ensure continued support for beneficiaries, while Valinhos and Guarapari have reported improvements following the switch to a more efficient platform.
The Secretaria de Assistência Social e Combate à Fome of Petrolina announced that manual forms would be employed until the new system stabilizes. Citizens needing to register or update their CadÚnico must schedule appointments via specific phone numbers: (87) 3983-6464, 3983-6418, and 3983-6416, from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This service applies to the Central do CadÚnico and the Centres of Reference in Social Assistance (CRASs), with exceptions for certain areas where spontaneous demand is accommodated.
The ongoing implementation of CadÚnico also emphasizes a key change: the Cadastro now utilizes the CPF as its access key. When staff enter a beneficiary's CPF into the system, it automatically processes information from various governmental databases. The Ministry of Development and Social Assistance has conveyed that the update aims for better efficiency, enhanced security, and the correction of distortions such as fraud, which has plagued the system in the past.
According to officials in Valinhos, the resumption of CadÚnico services on March 17, 2025, has been met with a positive reception. The Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Social e Habitação reported that the recently implemented federal platform has led to significant improvements. “The service has become faster and more efficient,” stated one staff member, pointing to greater transparency as a notable benefit. The migration to this system had caused a suspension of services from March 6, 2025, when operations transitioned from Caixa Econômica Federal to the federal platform.
For those in Valinhos seeking access to CadÚnico, the Central services were reopened at Rua Antônio Carlos, 201, Centro, serving CRAS residents from Central 1, Central 2, and Figueiras. Those from CRAS São Marcos, however, are directed to a different location at Rua João Previtale, 2168, Jardim Alto da Colina. Operational hours for both services are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Concurrently, in Guarapari, the scheduling system for CadÚnico has been revitalized as of today, March 18, 2025. Appointments can now be booked by phone at (27) 99874-1524 and (27) 3361-4456, or in person at Avenida Ewerson de Abreu Sodré, 977, Muquiçaba. This scheduling was interrupted on February 28, 2025, due to the prior migration process to the Dataprev system, which now incorporates artificial intelligence to thwart fraudulent registrations. Previously, scheduling was solely conducted via phone, but improvements now allow booking through WhatsApp and in person.
A vital event is scheduled for March 29, 2025, during which 100 slots will be available at the Central do Cadastro Único for updating registrations. Notably, new registrations or transfers from other municipalities will not be processed during this time. To update, individuals must present original and comprehensive documentation for all household members, with requirements varying by age.
Far from being just a bureaucratic necessity, the CadÚnico maintains its role as the primary access point for over 40 government social programs, including essential services like subsidized water and energy tariffs. As per the current guidelines, families must update their registrations every two years or whenever a change occurs in their circumstances, be it a change of address, income, or family composition. Failure to comply may risk suspension or cancellation of their benefits.
The necessity of these updates was emphasized by Raiza de Lima Souza, coordinator of the CadÚnico in Guarapari, who explained, “The system operates this way nationwide. First, the user schedules an appointment, and then they visit the location to update or register.” This is particularly critical as the government aims to ensure that benefits reach those truly in need.
Furthermore, priority for scheduling is given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, rural dwellers, and those who rely on specific welfare benefits like BPC/LOAS. These measures are put in place to streamline access for those who require immediate assistance.
As the broader national narrative unfolds regarding the implementation of these social programs, the challenges faced by municipalities are closely monitored. The shift towards a digital system is not merely about modernization—it represents a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of social assistance frameworks in Brazil, where access to benefits can directly impact quality of life for millions.
The transition to a robust, integrated CadÚnico system signifies not just an internal administrative reshuffling but a potential transformation in service delivery for the most economically vulnerable, promising greater access and security in their entitlements.
