Brazil orders 11 million families to update Cadastro Único for social benefits

The Brazilian government has launched a major data‑cleaning drive, calling about 11 million low‑income families to renew their information in the Cadastro Único system. The update aims to improve the accuracy of beneficiary rolls for programs such as Bolsa Família, the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC), the social electricity tariff and the gas assistance scheme, while reducing fraud and ensuring resources reach those who truly qualify. Families that ignore the summons risk temporary suspension or cancellation of benefits.

In parallel, the Cadastro Único is being modernised for 2026 with new digital tools, tighter eligibility thresholds (per‑capita income up to half a minimum wage) and expanded outreach to families not yet registered. The upgraded platform will integrate data across municipalities, enhance security, and support additional programmes including the social water tariff, housing assistance and the senior citizen transport card.