Find out the budget for Bolsa Família 2025, and understand how the programme works to find out if you're entitled to the benefit and how to apply!
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You've probably heard of Bolsa Familia, one of Brazil's most popular social programmes.
Bolsa Família is one of the largest cash transfer programmes in the world, with a direct impact on the lives of millions of Brazilian families.
Since its creation in 2003, the programme's main objective has been to combat poverty and promote social inclusion by guaranteeing basic rights such as food, education and health.
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Over the years, Bolsa Família has undergone several updates, reaffirming its central role in the country's public policies.
In 2025, it remains an essential tool for reducing inequalities, while adopting measures to make benefits more efficient and accessible.
This article covers the current characteristics of the programme, its contributions to society and how families can apply for and maintain the benefit. With detailed information, you'll understand why Bolsa Família is so important for Brazil.
Quick Index:
How does Bolsa Família work?
Bolsa Família is a federal cash transfer programme managed by the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance.
It works by identifying families in poverty or extreme poverty and offering monthly payments according to family composition.
To receive the benefit, families must be registered with the Unified Registry (CadÚnico) and meet specific income criteria.
The programme also requires compliance with conditions that promote social inclusion, such as keeping vaccinations up to date and ensuring that children and adolescents attend school.
The amount of the benefit varies according to the characteristics of the family, including factors such as the age of the children, the presence of pregnant women and the number of dependents.
Requirements for participation
To take part in Bolsa Família, families must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Per capita income: Up to R$ 218 per person, taking into account all family income.
- Family composition: Presence of at least one of the following: pregnant women, children up to 17 years old or nursing mothers.
- Up-to-date CadÚnico registration: The information needs to be correct and up-to-date, ensuring that the system identifies the family as eligible.
In addition, it is necessary to fulfil the conditionalities established by the government:
- Education: Children and teenagers aged between 6 and 15 must attend at least 85% of classes; teenagers aged 16 and 17, at least 75%.
- Cheers: Keeping vaccinations up to date and regular medical follow-up, especially for pregnant women and children.
How to apply for Bolsa Família
The process of applying for Bolsa Família is simple, but requires attention to a few steps.
Receive the Bolsa Família Card:
Once approved, the family member will receive the Bolsa Família Card by post. This card is used to withdraw benefits at Caixa Econômica Federal branches, lottery shops and banking correspondents.
Register with CadÚnico:
CadÚnico is the basis for identifying families who can take part in the programme. Registration must be done at CRAS or your local town hall, with documents such as ID, CPF, birth certificate and proof of residence.
Wait for the evaluation:
After registering, the data is analysed by the government system to check that the family meets the programme's criteria.
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How to monitor and maintain the benefit?
Once approved, it is essential to monitor the status of Bolsa Família and ensure that the benefit is not suspended or cancelled.
- Update the CadÚnico regularly: Any change in family composition, address or income must be reported immediately to CRAS.
- Keep track of payments: Check the monthly calendar, available on the Caixa website or in the Bolsa Família app, to find out the withdrawal dates.
- Comply with the conditionalities: Lack of school attendance or vaccination can lead to the temporary suspension of the benefit.
Impacts of Bolsa Família on Society
The impact of Bolsa Família goes far beyond the direct transfer of income. The programme is one of the most effective tools in reducing extreme poverty and improving social indicators in Brazil.
Main Results:
- Reducing extreme poverty: IBGE data shows that the programme was responsible for lifting millions of families out of poverty.
- Improvements in education: Beneficiary children have higher school attendance and better pass rates.
- Public health strengthened: Vaccination and medical monitoring requirements guarantee greater health coverage for vulnerable populations.
- Stimulating the local economy: The money transferred to the families is often used in local businesses, boosting the economy of deprived areas.
Bolsa Família values in 2025
The values of Bolsa Família in 2025 reflect the government's commitment to guaranteeing families a basic income.
| Type of Benefit | Monthly Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Benefit | R$ 600 | Paid to all registered families who meet the eligibility criteria. |
| Early Childhood Benefit | R$ 150 | Additional for each child up to 6 years old in the family. |
| Family Variable Benefit | R$ 50 | For pregnant women, children and teenagers aged between 7 and 18. |
These amounts are cumulative, meaning that families with more members within the eligibility brackets can receive higher amounts.
What will change in the programme in 2025?
Some changes have been implemented in the programme for 2025:
- Adjusted budget: The government will allocate R$ 167.2 billion to the programme, guaranteeing that payments will be maintained.
- Greater supervision: There will be stricter registration reviews to prevent fraud and ensure that benefits reach those who really need them.
- Strengthening social assistance: CRAS and town halls will receive additional support to improve family services.
Final considerations
Bolsa Família continues to be one of Brazil's most important social programmes, providing essential financial support to the families that need it most. In 2025, the programme continues to promote inclusion and equality, while strengthening its structure to achieve even greater efficiency.
If you want to take part or guarantee your benefit, follow the guidelines in this article and keep your registration up to date. Bolsa Família is not just financial aid, but an instrument of social transformation for millions of Brazilians.
Want to know more? Go to your nearest CRAS or access the official Bolsa Família app!
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Continue reading →Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to Bolsa Família?
Bolsa Família is aimed at families living in poverty or extreme poverty, with a monthly income of up to R$ 218 per person. The family must have children, teenagers, pregnant women or nursing mothers, as well as being registered with the Unified Registry.
How do I apply for the benefit?
To apply, you need to be registered with CadÚnico. Go to CRAS or your local town hall, take the documents of all family members and register. After this, the data will be analysed and, if approved, the benefit will be released.
How much can I get from Bolsa Família?
The basic amount is R$ 600 per family. There is also an additional R$ 150 per child up to 6 years old and R$ 50 for pregnant women, children and teenagers between 7 and 18 years old.
What is needed to keep the benefit active?
To continue receiving it, you must keep your CadÚnico data up to date, fulfil the conditionalities (school attendance, vaccination and medical monitoring) and respond to calls for registration reviews.
How do I check my benefits?
You can check your benefit status and balance via the official Bolsa Família app, available for Android and iOS, or directly at Caixa Econômica Federal branches.
