Brazil social programs: CadÚnico update deadlines for 2026

Millions of Brazilian families must review their status in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) to prevent the suspension or cancellation of federal social benefits. The 2026 cadastral review involves different deadlines based on when a family last updated their information. According to official reports, the initial summons reached over 11 million families.

The review specifically impacts beneficiaries of programs such as Bolsa Família, the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC), and the Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica. Failure to update data regarding income, address, or family composition can lead to administrative measures, including the blocking or cancellation of benefits.

Key deadlines for 2026 include November 12, which serves as a limit to avoid the cancellation of Bolsa Família and the Social Energy Tariff for certain groups. Another significant date is December 10, which affects families who last updated their records in January or April 2024.

Regarding the Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica, eligible families can receive free electricity for the first 80 kWh consumed monthly. Eligibility includes CadÚnico members with a monthly income of up to half a minimum wage per person, BPC recipients aged 65 or older or people with disabilities, and certain indigenous or quilombola families.