Brazil government maintains Bolsa Família payments while families apply for BPC

The Brazilian government issued a new measure that lets families receiving the Bolsa Família cash transfer continue to receive it throughout the analysis of their Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) application by the INSS. The rule, effective from 2 June, states that voluntary termination of Bolsa Família will only occur if the BPC is ultimately granted.

The change follows the approval of Law 15.077/2024, which revised the income‑eligibility calculation for BPC to exclude Bolsa Família benefits. The BPC application form now includes a declaration indicating the applicant’s responsibility for Bolsa Família and a request for voluntary disconnection if the program’s payment would be the sole reason for a denial. INSS will identify applicants who exceed the BPC income threshold but receive Bolsa Família, perform a second assessment without counting Bolsa Família income, and proceed with the standard BPC criteria. If approved, the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance will stop Bolsa Família payments and the beneficiary will receive retroactive BPC payments, partially offset by the amounts previously paid under Bolsa Família.