THE Single Registry It's the gateway to several social programs in Brazil. If there's an error in your registration, you could lose benefits like Bolsa Família, the Social Energy Tariff, and the BPC. The problem? Many people don't even know they're in an irregular situation until they need assistance and are surprised by the denial.
If you depend on these benefits or are trying to register, you need to know what can go wrong and how to avoid them. Let's get straight to the point: the biggest problem preventing many people from receiving aid is a lack of updated registration. This can happen for a simple reason, such as a change of address, income, or even a typo in the system.
What is the Single Registry and why is it so important?
The Cadastro Único (Single Registry) is a government database that gathers information on low-income families in Brazil. It is essential for social programs to identify those who truly need help.
If your registration is out of date or contains incorrect information, the system may assume you're not eligible for the benefit. This is where the problem arises: you could be blocked or even excluded from the programs.
The error that prevents you from receiving benefits
The most common mistake—and one that can leave you without benefits—is failing to update your registration. The Single Registry must be updated at least every two years, or whenever there are changes in your situation, such as:
- Change of address
- Change in family income
- Inclusion or exclusion of members in the household
- Change of contact phone number
If any of this information is incorrect or out of date, the government may consider your family no longer eligible for social programs. The result: Your benefits will be suspended or even canceled.
How do you know if your registration has an error?
If you already receive a benefit and are afraid of losing it, you can check the status of your Single Registry in a simple way:
- Access the official website of the Single Registry (cadunico.dataprev.gov.br)
- Use the app Single Registry on your cell phone (available for Android and iOS)
- Call the CRAS nearest and ask about your situation
- Go in person to CRAS with your documents for an update
If a query appears when you make a query “Registration under review”, this means that you need to update your data immediately to avoid losing benefits.
How to update the Single Registry and avoid problems
The update must be completed at your municipality's CRAS (Social Assistance Reference Center). Bring the documents of all residents and ensure everything is correct. The main documents required are:
- Identity document (ID or work card)
- CPF
- Updated proof of residence
- Proof of income (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (for children)
The family member responsible must go to the CRAS in person to complete this update. In some cases, it may be necessary to schedule an appointment.
Other failures that may prevent you from receiving benefits
In addition to a lack of updates, other errors in the Single Registry can hinder access to social programs. Here are the most common:
1# Inconsistent information
If the data entered in the Single Registry doesn't match other government databases, the system may block the benefit. This happens, for example, when a person declares an income lower than they actually receive or when there are discrepancies in their documents.
2# Irregular CPF
The CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) is the main document used to identify families in the Single Registry. If it is suspended or irregular with the Federal Revenue Service, the registration may be blocked.
To resolve this, you must regularize your CPF through the Federal Revenue website or at a Post Office, Banco do Brasil or Caixa Econômica Federal branch.
3# Duplicate registration
It's possible for the same person to appear in more than one family group in the Single Registry. When this happens, the system may detect fraud and block benefits.
The solution is to go to CRAS and request a correction to your registration.
What to do if the benefit has been blocked?
If you lost a benefit due to an error in the Single Registry, the first step is to understand the reason for the block. Check your status online or at CRAS and update your information.
If the problem is a lack of updates, regularization may result in the benefit returning the following month. However, if there's an error in the information, it may be necessary to wait for a new government review.
The most important thing is not to wait until you need the benefit. Keeping your Single Registry up to date avoids headaches and ensures you continue receiving what you're entitled to.
See also: Bolsa Família CANCELED? Learn what to do in this case
February 24, 2025
Graduated in Literature – Portuguese/English, and creator of the website Successful Writer, seeks to expand everyone's knowledge with relevant information on a variety of topics, as a writer. At Vaga de Emprego RJ, she provides opportunities and tips on the job market.