Brazil municipalities to guide families on voluntary exit from Bolsa Família

The National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM) is urging Brazilian city halls to inform beneficiaries about new voluntary withdrawal rules for the Bolsa Família program. The guidelines were issued in May by the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance through Normative Instruction No. 54.

Under the new rules, families whose income has risen can request to leave the program directly with their municipal authorities, via the Bolsa Família app, or when applying for the Continuous Benefit (BPC) at the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). All benefit administration will continue through the Citizen Benefits System (Sibec), respecting the program’s operational calendar. CNM stresses the importance of clear communication so families understand the procedure and can make informed decisions about exiting the cash‑transfer scheme.