THE Nest Egg is a Brazilian federal government program that aims to encourage students to remain in and complete their studies in public high schools. Through financial incentives, the program seeks to reduce school dropout rates and promote social inclusion. But how exactly can you access this benefit? Let's explore the details.

What is the Sock Money Program?

Established by Law No. 14,818 in January 2024, the Nest Egg is an initiative that offers financial support to public high school students. The main objective is to provide a financial reserve to help students complete their studies, encouraging educational continuity and reducing social inequalities.

Who can participate?

To be eligible for the program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Be between 14 and 24 years old for regular high school students, and between 19 and 24 years old for Youth and Adult Education (EJA) students.
  • Registration: Be regularly enrolled in a public secondary education institution.
  • Single Registry (CadÚnico): Belong to a family registered with CadÚnico, with a per capita income of up to half the minimum wage.
  • School Attendance: Maintain a minimum attendance of 80% in monthly classes.

Additionally, it is essential to have a valid Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF). Students registered as a single-person family in CadÚnico (i.e., those who declare they live alone) are not eligible for the program.

How does the financial benefit work?

THE Nest Egg offers different types of financial incentives throughout the school period:

  1. Enrollment Incentive: A one-time payment of R$ 200.00 upon enrollment in a public school. This amount is granted once per year, even if the student changes institutions or educational modality within the same academic year.
  2. Incentive-Frequency: Monthly payments of R$ 200.00, totaling up to R$ 1,800.00 annually, subject to maintaining a minimum attendance of 80% in classes.
  3. Incentive-Completion: At the end of each academic year successfully completed, the student receives R$ 1,000.00, accumulating up to R$ 3,000.00 upon graduation from high school. This amount can only be withdrawn after the student has completed the entire academic year.
  4. ENEM Incentive: One-off payment of R$ 200.00 for third-year students who participate in the two-day National High School Exam (ENEM) exam.

In total, a student can accumulate up to R$ 9,200.00 throughout high school, considering all available incentives.

How to apply for the program?

The good news is that you don't need to register specifically for the Nest EggBeneficiaries are selected automatically by the government, based on data provided by education networks and CadÚnico. Therefore, it is essential that your information is always up-to-date.

To ensure you are considered:

  • Check your registration on CadÚnico: Make sure your family is registered and that the information is correct. If updates are needed, contact the nearest Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS).
  • Keep your school data up to date: Inform your school's office of any changes, such as a change of address or updated documents.
  • Track your school attendance: Remember that attendance is one of the criteria for receiving incentives.

How to track payments?

The incentive funds are deposited into accounts automatically opened by Caixa Econômica Federal in the students' names. To manage and track deposits, you must use the app. Student Journey, available for Android and iOS devices. Access to the app requires a gov.br account.

For students under 18, a legal guardian must authorize account transactions. This can be done directly through the app or at a Caixa branch.

Tips to avoid losing your benefit

To ensure continued receipt of incentives from Nest Egg, pay attention to the following recommendations:

  • Regularly update CadÚnico: Any change in family composition or income must be reported immediately.
  • Maintain high school attendance: Strive to attend all classes, avoiding absences that could compromise the minimum percentage required.
  • Participate in official evaluations: Attending exams such as ENEM is essential to guarantee some of the incentives offered by the program.
  • Pay attention to official communications: Use the Student Journey app to follow information and updates related to the program.

An opportunity for students

THE Nest Egg represents a valuable opportunity for low-income students to complete high school with financial support, facilitating continued studies and contributing to the reduction of educational inequalities in the country. By meeting the established criteria and keeping your information up to date, you guarantee access to this resource that can make a difference in your academic and professional future.

For more information, please visit the official channels of the Ministry of Education and Caixa Econômica Federal.

References:

  1. Savings — Ministry of Education – Gov.br Portal

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February 22, 2025