Gas aid: how to apply

Find out how to apply for the federal government's Gas Aid, the eligibility criteria and the value of the benefit to ease your budget.

Access to cooking gas is an essential necessity for millions of Brazilian families, as it is directly linked to food security and the preparation of daily meals.

However, the constant increase in gas cylinder prices in recent years has created significant challenges for many families in situations of economic vulnerability.

To mitigate this impact, the federal government created the Gas AidThis is a public policy that guarantees a financial subsidy for the purchase of a 13kg canister.

Since its implementation, the programme has helped to promote dignity, financial relief and social inclusion for the beneficiaries.

With the value of the benefit now covering 100% of the national average price of gas, Auxílio Gás reinforces its commitment to ensuring that low-income families are able to afford the basics for a dignified life.

This article explains how the programme works, who can take part, how to apply and why it is so important in the country's current economic climate.

Key Points

• O Gas Aid is financial support from the government
• Aimed at low-income families
• Relieve cooking gas costs
• It's important to know the process for applying
• Benefit that can offer more comfort at home
• Understand the requirements to qualify

Gas Aid: What is it and how does it work?

O Gas Aidalso known as Vale Gás, is a public policy created to offer financial support to low-income families for the purchase of cooking gas.

This initiative seeks to mitigate the impact of the high prices of the 13kg canister, promoting food security and financial relief for vulnerable families.

Since January 2023, the benefit has covered 100% of the national average value of a 13kg gas cylinderaccording to surveys carried out by the National Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP).

Payment is made bimonthly, in synchronisation with the calendar of the Bolsa Família.

Who is entitled to the benefit?

The programme is aimed at families in a situation of economic vulnerability and follows specific criteria for selecting beneficiaries. See who can take part:

• Families registered with the Unified Registry (CadÚnico) with a monthly per capita income of up to half the minimum wage;
• Beneficiaries of Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC)which caters for the elderly and people with disabilities;
• Families that meet the vulnerability criteria defined by the government, based on the information registered in CadÚnico.

Selection takes place automatically, without the need for direct enrolment. For this reason, keeping your CadÚnico data up to date is essential to ensure that you receive the benefit.

How payment works

The Gas Aid is paid every two months, according to the values calculated by the ANP. Beneficiaries receive the credit directly into their account linked to the Bolsa Família programme and can access it by the following means:

1. Caixa Tem AppAllows the balance to be consulted and the benefit to be withdrawn at Caixa Econômica Federal ATMs or authorised points.
2. Bolsa Família CardWith the card, withdrawals can be made at Caixa branches, lottery shops and banking correspondents.
3. Direct transfersThe amount can be used for payments or transfers directly through the app.

How the aid is calculated

The value of the benefit is calculated on the basis of the national average price of a 13kg gas cylinder, as determined by the ANP.

Since the update in 2023, Gas Aid covers 100% average priceThis ensures that the families who benefit will have the full cost of the canister subsidised.

This change was implemented to reinforce support for families at a time of high inflation and rising energy costs.

The updated calculation brings greater predictability and efficiency to the programme, ensuring that the value keeps pace with market fluctuations.

How to apply for Gas Aid?

Although inclusion in the programme is automatic, families must follow certain steps to ensure that they are included:

1. Keep your CadÚnico updatedCheck that your family's details are up to date in the system, especially information such as address, family composition and income.
2. Find your nearest CRAS: The Social Assistance Reference Centre is your point of contact for registering or updating.
3. Documents required: Have your ID, CPF, proof of residence and other family members' identification documents ready.

Once a family has been included in CadÚnico, it will automatically be assessed for participation in the programme, provided it meets the established criteria.

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Why is Vale Gás important?

The programme plays a fundamental role in the lives of millions of Brazilians. With the cost of cooking gas often exceeding the limits of the family budget, Auxílio Gás helps:

• Promoting food securityEnsures that families can prepare their meals properly.
• Reducing inequalities: Offers financial support to the most vulnerable families, helping to reduce poverty.
• Supporting healthAvoids the use of harmful alternatives such as firewood or coal, which can cause respiratory problems.
• Strengthening social inclusion: Provides dignity by ensuring access to a basic resource for everyday life.

Advantages of the programme

Full coverage of the cost of gasSince 2023, the Gas Aid has paid 100% of the average price of a 13kg canister, easing the financial burden on families.

Automatic inclusionThe simplified selection process ensures that eligible families are automatically included, as long as they are on the CadÚnico.

Bimonthly supportThe benefit is paid regularly, allowing families to better plan their budgets.

Easy accessWith multiple options for withdrawal and consultation, the programme makes it easier to receive aid.

Social impactIn addition to supporting individuals, Gas Aid contributes to the local economy, encouraging consumption and reducing poverty.

How do I track my payment?

Beneficiaries can check their payment status quickly and conveniently using the following channels:

• Box HasThe application offers direct access to the balance and benefit information.
• Caixa branches: Face-to-face consultation for prices and payment dates.
• CRASSocial assistance centres can advise beneficiaries about the programme and check their eligibility.

Gas Aid Challenges

Although it is an essential programme, Gas Aid still faces challenges that limit its reach and impact:

• Unfamiliarity with the benefitMany eligible families don't know they're entitled or don't update their data in CadÚnico.
• Regional differencesIn some places, the price of gas can be higher than the national average, requiring a top-up.
• Dependence on subsidiesThe benefit does not solve the structural causes of poverty, and must be complemented by income-generating policies.

Final considerations

The Gas Aid is an example of a public policy aimed at inclusion and promoting food security.

By fully covering the cost of the gas cylinder, the programme helps millions of families to cope with the high cost of the product, guaranteeing dignity and quality of life.

For those wishing to take part, it is essential to keep the CadÚnico up to date and follow the government's communication channels for information on payments.

The programme not only relieves the family budget, but also reinforces the government's social commitment to the most vulnerable.

Read also: Youth ID: how to apply

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gas Aid?

The Gas Aid is a government benefit to help low-income families. It helps pay for cooking gas cylinders.

How to apply for Gas Aid?

To apply for Gas Aid, you need to complete the Unified Register. This can be done at a CRAS or with the municipal manager.

What is the value of the Gas Aid benefit?

The value of the Gas Allowance varies. But on average it is R$ 100.00 per month.

How does the Gas Allowance work?

Payment is made directly into the beneficiaries' accounts. This happens every two months, guaranteeing access to cooking gas.