Bolsa Família program to increase minimum benefits in October

The Bolsa Família social welfare program in Brazil is undergoing significant updates regarding payment schedules and benefit amounts. In July, payments were distributed based on the final digit of the Social Identification Number (NIS), with specific dates assigned to different digits. Families in municipalities under emergency or public calamity status received payments earlier in the month.

Starting in October 2026, the program will implement a 15.04% inflationary adjustment. The minimum guaranteed value per family will increase from R$ 600 to R$ 691. This adjustment, based on the National Consumer Price Index (INPC) from March 2023 to August 2026, also applies to additional benefits for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

The government estimates the average monthly benefit will rise from approximately R$ 675 to R$ 777. Payments for the updated amounts are scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026, with Caixa Econômica Federal managing the staggered deposits through the end of the month.