Brazil's Bolsa Família benefits face eligibility checks after May payment

After the May 2026 payment, Brazil's Ministry of Social Development will cross‑reference Bolsa Família registries with other government databases to identify families whose per‑person income exceeds the R$218 limit. Those families may have their benefit reduced to 50 % under the “Protection Rule” or be removed from the program. Beneficiaries can verify their situation through the official app, Caixa Tem or at local CRAS offices and must keep their CadÚnico registration up to date.

To avoid blocks, families must update CadÚnico every 24 months, present proof of income and documents for all household members, and comply with health and education requirements such as school attendance, prenatal care and vaccinations. New beneficiaries must also provide biometric data and obtain the National Identity Card (CIN).