Brazil suspends home interview for single‑person families in Cadastro Único

The Brazilian Ministry of Development and Social Assistance issued a temporary rule, effective until July 2027, that waives the mandatory domicile interview for one‑person (unipessoal) families registering or updating their Cadastro Único (CadÚnico) social‑benefit database. The change aims to simplify access to programmes such as Bolsa Família, the Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) and other municipal or state assistance, allowing applicants to complete registration at local CRAS or CadÚnico offices without waiting for an interview.

The interview remains required for new entrants to Bolsa Família and for families under investigation for irregularities. The measure was formalised in Portaria No. 1.199 published on 15 July 2026 and applies nationwide; in Salvador, for example, the 52 CadÚnico service points can process updates without appointments. After July 2027 the interview requirement may be reinstated, except in specific exceptions defined by the ministry.