Brazil Social Welfare Programs

Unfortunately, there are 52,7 million people who live in poverty or extreme poverty in Brazil.

Since I started to work as a Tour Guide, about 30 years ago, I’ve been always asked: What is that the government are doing about this situation?

For this reason, I thought it would be a kind of interesting issue for a post, regarding the Brazilian social Programs. Maybe you also want to know about it.

Brazil Social Welfare Programs are very important to attend this portion of the population in need.

Brazil’s most important Social Program is  Bolsa Família.

• Bolsa Família (Family Bag program) – It is a direct income transfer program for Brazilian families in poverty, to guarantee access to basic resources as education, health, and food.

The program had been created during the Lula da Silva government and aims to transfer direct income to families with monthly income between R$89.01 ( 17,15U$), and R$178.00 (35U$)per person.

In effect, this social benefit grants around R$200,00 (92U$) and serves around 14 million families in vulnerable situations.

Social Electricity Tariff

Created in 2002 this Brazil Social Welfare Program grants discounts on energy bills to consumers in the Low Income Residential Subclass. The percentage of discount given varies according to consumption.
The benefit is granted to those who meet the following requirements:

The family must enroll in the Federal Government’s Single Registry for Social Programs (Cadastro Único). Provided that the  family  monthly income is less than or equal to half the minimum wage per person;
Seniors aged 65 or over or people with disabilities, who receive the Benefit of Continued Provision of Social Assistance;
The family registered in the Cadastro Único with a monthly income of up to three minimum wages, that has a member with an illness disability whose treatment requires the continued use of appliances that require electricity consumption.

Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) Program

This Brazil Social Welfare Programs include payments of one minimum wage for people with disabilities or over 65 years of age who do not have any means of support. However, to receive, the criterion is that the family income is equal to or less than ¼ of the current minimum wage.

The application is made on the Brazilian National Institute of Social Security (INSS) Website.

***Current Minimum wage in Brazil (2021) – R$1.100,00 (211,95U$ monthly).

Senior Pass Card Brazil Social Welfare Program

According to Senior Pass  Brazil Social Welfare Program, all  Brazilians over 60 years of age who earn up to two minimum wages are entitled to the Elderly Card. The benefit offers a minimum discount of 50% or free access on interstate bus travel. The request is made at the Social Assistance Reference Center of the municipality.

Brazil Affectionate Program

This Brazil Social Welfare Program aims to transfer resources that will fund early childhood education, allowing the child to have access to school. The money is also earmarked for comprehensive care, food, and nutrition security actions. The Brasil Carinhoso Program is aimed at children aged 0 to 4 years who are enrolled in public daycare centers and are from families enrolled in Bolsa Família Program.

National Program for Access to Technical Education and Employment (Pronatec)

PRONATEC   Brazil Social Welfare Program aimed at expanding Professional and Technological Education (EPT). It offers courses and financial assistance grants to:

• Public high school students, including youth and adult education
• Adult workes
• Beneficiaries of federal cash transfer programs
• Students who have completed high school in a public school

*** Public School in Brazil – It means it is a free-of-charge school. They are sponsored by the government. Most os parents prefer to enroll their kids in private Schools, though, due to better quality of education.

In conclusion, the goals of these Brazil Social Welfare Programs are:

Fight hunger and promote food and nutrition security;

Combat poverty and other forms of deprivation of families;

Promote access to the network of public services, in particular, to health, education, food security, and social assistance.