This year, 11,269 families have already requested voluntary disconnection from the Bolsa Família program, according to the Ministry of Citizenship, meaning that people left on their own accord.
Such is the case of Mrs. Maria do Socorro Félix, 45 years old. In 2005, with three children and unemployed, she sought assistance to supplement her household income. Recently, she secured a formal job as a domestic worker in the city of Barbalha, Ceará. In the same week, she approached the responsible agency in her city and canceled her Bolsa Família benefits. “I was very well benefited. Now I want to give to others because, thank God, I am very happy with my job and I know there are people who need it more than I do,” she says.
If a family that requested voluntary disconnection experiences a decrease in income and needs the benefit again, the process of returning is guaranteed and simple. “If you requested voluntary disconnection up to 36 months ago, just go to the department responsible for Bolsa Família in your city, bring the documentation, update the Cadastro Único, and request the reversal of the cancellation,” explained Caroline Paranayba, director of the Benefits Department of the Ministry of Citizenship.
The Bolsa Família Program serves families living in poverty and extreme poverty. All families with a per capita income of up to R$ 89 per month or families with a per capita income of R$ 89.01 to R$ 178.00 that have children or adolescents up to 17 years old in their composition can be part of the Program.
Currently, about 14 million families benefit from the program in the country, with an average monthly benefit of R$ 188.51. In addition to income, other requirements to remain in the program include school attendance of the beneficiaries’ children and health monitoring of mothers and children.
The Ministry of Citizenship has control mechanisms to maintain focus on those living in poverty and extreme poverty. Therefore, families periodically exit the program, mainly because they have not updated their registration information or because their income has improved, no longer fitting the profile to receive the benefit.
Source: www.brasil.gov.br