THE Family Allowance is one of Brazil's most important social programs, helping millions of vulnerable families. But did you know that the amount received can be higher than the basic benefit of R$ 600? Depending on your family composition and certain specific criteria, you may receive additional amounts. The question is: have you checked if you're eligible for these increases? Many people fail to receive the additional amounts simply because they lack information or haven't updated their registration. CadÚnico.

If you receive Bolsa Família or want to know if you're eligible for a higher amount, keep reading to understand what the additional benefits are, how to apply for them, and what you can do to ensure your family receives everything they're entitled to.

What are the additional values of Bolsa Família?

The federal government has added new benefits to Bolsa Família to better meet the needs of families. These additional benefits vary depending on the age of the children, the presence of pregnant women in the family, and even the nutritional status of younger children. See the additional benefits available:

1# Early Childhood Benefit
If your family has children up to 6 years old, you may receive an increase of R$ 150 per childThis amount is paid to ensure the nutrition and healthy development of children.

2# Family Variable Benefit
Families that have children and adolescents between 7 and 18 years of age or pregnant women registered in the program receive R$ 50 additional per personThe objective of this benefit is to encourage students to remain in school and ensure adequate health monitoring.

3# Variable Benefit for Nursing Mothers
If there is a baby up to 7 months in the family, the mother can receive R$ 50 additionalThis benefit helps ensure the newborn's nutrition, promoting better nutrition and a healthier start to life.

In addition to these extra values, the program also includes Protection Rule, which allows families who have seen an increase in income to continue receiving part of the benefit for a set period of time.

How do you know if your family is entitled to the extra amounts?

Many people don't know they can receive a higher amount from Bolsa Família simply because they haven't updated their registration or aren't familiar with the rules. The first step to ensuring you receive the correct benefit is keep your Single Registry up to date.

If there has been a birth of children, pregnancy in the family or any other change in the composition of the family unit, this must be reported immediately to the CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center) nearest.

To check if your family is already receiving the additional payments, you can consult:

  • The application of Family Allowance (available for Android and iOS);
  • The website of Federal Savings Bank;
  • The application Caixa Tem;
  • In-person service at CRAS offices.

If you realize you should be receiving a higher amount and this is not happening, there may be a problem with your registration or it may be out of date.

What happens if my family doesn't update their registration?

Keep the Updated Single Registry is essential to continue receiving Bolsa Família. The government requires that data be reviewed at least every two years, but important changes in the family (such as the birth of children, pregnancy or changes in income) should be reported as soon as possible.

If the data is out of date, the government may suspend or even cancel the benefit, which could harm your family. Furthermore, many people fail to receive the extra payments simply because information about young children or pregnancy was not entered correctly into the system.

So, if your family meets the criteria for additional benefits and still does not receive the corresponding amount, the best solution is go to CRAS and update your registration as soon as possible.

Protection Rule: What happens if the family's income increases?

Many families fear losing Bolsa Família if they get a job or if their family income increases. But there is a so-called Protection Rule, which allows the benefit to be maintained, even if income increases slightly.

How does it work? If the family's per capita income exceeds R$ 218.00, but is still less than half the minimum wage, the family can continue receiving Bolsa Família for up to 24 months. During this period, the benefit will be reduced to 50% of the value that was received before.

This means that if a family previously received R$ 800 in total, even with the increase in income, they will continue to receive R$ 400 for another two years. This measure prevents families from becoming destitute just as they manage to improve their financial situation.

How do I apply for additional Bolsa Família benefits?

If you realize that your family may be entitled to a higher amount from Bolsa Família, follow the steps below to regularize your situation:

1# Update your Single Registry
Go to the CRAS Bring your documents and those of your family (ID, CPF, proof of residence, and birth certificates for your children) to the nearest health center. If there are pregnant women in the family, bring your prenatal card.

2# Report changes in family composition
If there was birth of children, pregnancy, or if a teenager has started attending school regularly, this must be recorded in the registry.

3# Follow through the Bolsa Família app
After updating, check in the app or on Caixa Tem if the amounts were adjusted in the next payment.

If the benefit increase does not occur within two months after the update, return to CRAS and request a new analysis of your case.

Maintaining the benefit requires commitments

In addition to meeting the criteria for additional payments, families must fulfill certain obligations to continue receiving Bolsa Família, such as:

  • Take children for vaccination according to the SUS calendar;
  • Monitor the growth and nutritional status of children under 7 years of age;
  • Ensure that children and adolescents between the ages of 4 and 17 have a minimum school attendance;
  • Pregnant women need to undergo prenatal care and maintain medical monitoring..

If these commitments are not met, the family may have the benefit suspended or even canceled.

Check your rights

If you receive Bolsa Família, be sure to check if your family is eligible for a higher amount. The government offers additional benefits for young children, teenagers, pregnant women and breastfeeding babies, but many people are unaware of this or do not update their registration.

Always keep your Updated CadÚnico and regularly monitor payments to ensure your family is receiving everything they're entitled to. If you notice the amount is lower than it should be, contact your local government. CRAS and request a benefit review.

Bolsa Família can be a huge budget booster, and receiving the correct amount makes all the difference in your daily life. Stay tuned for updates and ensure the best for your family!

References

  1. Gov.br Portal – Bolsa Família
  2. Federal Savings Bank – Family Grant Program
  3. Bolsa Família Protection Rule – Gov Agency

See also: Bolsa Família CANCELED? Learn what to do in this case

February 20, 2025