Brazil social programs update: CadÚnico, INSS, and housing benefits

Various Brazilian social assistance programs and social security rules have been updated for 2026. Families registered in the Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) and beneficiaries of the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) remain central to accessing federal aid.

In housing, the Minha Casa Minha Vida program offers full installment exemptions for Bolsa Família and BPC beneficiaries. Regarding utilities, the Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica provides a 100% discount on the first 80 kWh of monthly consumption for 17.1 million families, provided the electricity bill is in the name of a family member and addresses are updated.

Social security (INSS) regulations specify that Microentrepreneurs (MEI) can access retirement benefits through DAS contributions, though requirements for age and contribution time vary based on enrollment dates. Additionally, low-income homemakers can contribute to the INSS at a reduced rate of 5% of the minimum wage.

To prevent the suspension of federal payments like Bolsa Família, the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance has mandated home interviews for single-person households (unipersonal families) to verify family composition. Failure to complete these interviews or update data every 24 months can lead to benefit blocks.