The Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) in Valinhos, Brazil, has resumed activities as of Monday, March 17, 2025. The resumption follows a temporary halt, which lasted from March 6, 2025, due to the migration of service from Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF) to the federal platform. This change aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the handling of registrations for low-income families.
The CadÚnico is crucial for accessing various social benefits such as reduced water and electricity tariffs and income transfer programs. Families in Valinhos seeking to register or update their information can visit the Central do Cadastro Único, located at Rua Antônio Carlos, 201, Centro. The office provides services for residents linked to the CRAS Central 1, Central 2, and Figueiras. Beneficiaries of CRAS São Marcos are directed to visit the location at Rua João Previtale, 2168, Jardim Alto da Colina. Both centers are operational from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Simultaneously, the Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social is initiating an outreach program called Cadastro Único Vai Até Você. This effort will hold its first event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Jundiapeba from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the CIC de Jundiapeba. This proactive initiative aims to reach families who have outdated registrations and may face the risk of losing essential benefits.
According to the latest data from February 2025, there are over 64,662 families registered in Mogi das Cruzes under the Cadastro Único, with over 12,840 having outdated registrations, which could jeopardize their access to essential services. The Cadastro Único operates not just for the Bolsa Família program but also for various programs, including energy tariff discounts, retirement benefits for the elderly and disabled individuals, housing assistance such as Minha Casa Minha Vida, and fee waivers for public contest registrations.
Local comprehensive assessments revealed the vital need to update registrations, particularly as the law requires families to maintain their information current every two years or whenever changes occur. Changes that necessitate updates include shifts in family composition, any relocations, changes in income, or the addition or loss of family members.
Daniela Mariano, the municipal secretary of social assistance, emphasized, “We realize that many families have difficulties or are unable to travel to the city center for updating their registrations, so it's essential to bring the service closer to the neighborhoods. We will begin this Saturday but will also keep monthly schedules and conduct a special force-task twice a year.”
The inspection of CadÚnico data allows authorities to accurately assess the social conditions of families, thereby providing appropriate support through government social programs.
To ensure a successful update process, families must bring essential documents to both the CadÚnico and the outreach events. Required documents include a government-issued photo ID for the individual responsible for the registration, proof of residency, and documentation for all other family members, which may include IDs, birth certificates, and for adults, work permits. Special provisions for cases of guardianship or recent deaths in the family are also noted.
The first event will serve as a model for future monthly outreach actions across different districts, ensuring that more families stay informed and engaged with their eligibility for essential support. The Cadastro Único remains a fundamental tool for social inclusion and the reinforcement of social protection networks across Brazil.
The actions undertaken highlight a growing recognition of the need to facilitate access to vital services, particularly for low-income families who may encounter barriers to participation in crucial social programs.
By initiating regular outreach activities and maintaining a focus on family needs, local authorities are striving to ensure that every family has the opportunity to benefit from the support available under the Cadastro Único.
In summary, the Cadastro Único plays an essential role in supporting low-income families by providing them access to various social services and programs, thereby strengthening the welfare infrastructure within Brazil.
