Bolsa Família is one of the country's most crucial social programs, designed to provide financial assistance to families living in poverty and extreme poverty. Implemented in 2003, its purpose is to guarantee minimum conditions of survival and existence for families in these groups, in addition to encouraging vaccination and school attendance for minors. This article will show the complete instruction of the Bolsa Família application process.
Application Requirements
The first requirement is to verify that the application criteria are met. They include:
- Single Registry (CadÚnico): CadÚnico is a registration scheme designed to record data on Brazilian families who are in poverty. Registration for most social programs, including Bolsa Família, is done through CadÚnico.
- Family income: The family must have a monthly per capita income of up to R$ 89.00 to be considered in extreme poverty, or from R$ 89.01 to R$ 178.00 per capita to be considered in poverty, as long as they include pregnant women or children up to 17 years old.
- Documentation: Must include identification documents for the head of the family (CPF or voter registration card) and all members, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, ID, CPF, Work Card and proof of residence.
Steps to Follow
Let's see how a potential candidate can be registered:
1. Single Registry
The first action is to register with CadÚnico. On the city hall website, the candidate can find a place to register.
- Locate CRAS: Find the CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center) closest to you.
- Scheduling: In some locations, service at the center requires an appointment. Check this need.
- Documentation: Have all necessary documents at hand.
- Interview: During the interview, a CRAS employee will collect information about your family's socioeconomic situation.
2. Apply for Bolsa Família
After registering with CadÚnico, you will be able to apply for Bolsa Família. The following are the guidelines for qualification:
- Updated Data: Make sure your data on CadÚnico is up to date. Incomplete or incorrect information may make it difficult to approve the benefit.
- Selection: The selection of families occurs automatically by the Ministry of Citizenship based on information from CadÚnico.
- Bolsa Família Card: If your family is selected, you will receive the Bolsa Família Card, which will allow you to withdraw the benefit.
3. Maintaining the Benefit
There are some guidelines you need to follow to continue receiving the benefit:
- Registration Update: Update the data whenever there are changes in your financial situation or family composition.
- School Attendance: Children and adolescents between 6 and 17 years old must attend school regularly. The frequency index must be at least 85% for children and adolescents aged 6 to 15, and 75% for adolescents aged 16 and 17.
- Vaccination: Keep vaccination records for children up to 7 years of age up to date.
- Prenatal follow-up: Pregnant women should undergo prenatal care and follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health.
Tips and Important Information
- Check the Waiting List: In some cities, there is a waiting list for Bolsa Família. Check the status of your registration at CRAS or at the city hall.
- Variable Benefit: In addition to the basic benefit, there are specific subsidies for pregnant women, nursing mothers (mothers who breastfeed), children and young people. Find out about all types of benefits.
- Resource: If your request is refused, you have the right to appeal. Consult CRAS for information about the procedure.
- Beware of Scams: Be suspicious of messages and phone calls that request personal data or charge for services related to Bolsa Família. The program is free, and all information is provided by the Ministry of Citizenship and Caixa Econômica Federal.
Conclusion
Bolsa Família is one of the federal government's programs aimed at families in extreme poverty. The benefit is simple to obtain, and registration with CadÚnico allows access to the program, guaranteeing protection and sustenance for the benefiting families.
